Callao

the chief seaport of Peru. Latitude 12?? S. The town is situated on a commodious harbor, and is commanded by Callao Castle, the last fortification to be held by Spain in south America. Callao has been bombarded by Chile and by Spain. In 1746 an earthquake wave carried ships ashore, landed a frigate far inland, and drowned 4,600 people. The foreign trade of Peru centers at Callao. On an average two ocean going steamships land daily. Callao is the starting point of the Callao Oroya Railway, the loftiest railway in the world. The chief exports are cotton, sugar, leather goods, gums, guano, wool, metals, and minerals. Over half a million dollars’ worth of cocaine is prepared and exported. Callao is headquarters for quinine, alpaca, and llama wool. About one-fourth of the total business of callao is transacted with the United states. A half of it goes to London and other British ports. The population is about 40,000