Dec 2001

Bolivia

Potosi

(4,090 m above sea level)
The discovery of ore in silver-rich Cerro Rico (rich hill) by Indian Diego Huallpa in 1544 prompted the foundation of the city of Potosí on April 10th, 1545 at the foot of the hill. Mining began immediately and the silver was sent to Spain
Cerro Rico

La Casa de la Moneda - The first mint

Casa de la Libertad

(1,760 m above sea level)
The city of La Plata was founded by Pedro de Anzures, Marqués de Campo Redondo, on November 30th, 1538. Its foundation was a result of mining activities.
Independence in the Americas first took place in the city of La Plata May 25th, 1809. On August 6th, 1825 independence was declared and the republic of Bolivia was formed, named after its liberator Simón Bolivar. On August 11th, the name of the city of La Plata was changed to Sucre in honor of Mariscal Antonio José de Sucre who also fought for independence from Spanish rule.