volunteer activity in Chile). Their buildings reflected a variety of European styles, making Valparaiso more varied than some other Chilean cities.
1906 Valpara�so Earthquake
In August 18, 1906; a major earthquake struck Valpara�so; there was extensive property damage and thousands of deaths. The Chilean doctor Carlos Van Buren, of U.S. descent, was involved in medical care of earthquake victims. He later established a modern hospital Carlos Van Buren Hospital in 1912.
The golden age of Valpara�so�s commerce ended after the opening of the Panama Canal (1914). Shipping shifted to the canal as captains sought to avoid the risks of the Strait of Magellan. The port's use and traffic declined significantly, causing a decline in the city's economy. Since the turn of the 21st century, shipping has increased in the last few decades with fruit exports, increasing opening of the Chilean economy to world commerce, and larger-scale, Post-Panamax ships that do not fit the Panama Canal.
The city was affected by the 27 February 2010 earthquake
