Miguel Gallo Vergara

Miguel Gallo Vergara (La Serena, 1793 - Chañarcillo, March 8, 1853) was a Chilean millionaire mining entrepreneur, politician and patriot. He was mayor of Copiapó for the year 1820, and was appointed a Deputy of the Republic of Chile representing Copiapó, Chañaral and Freirina from 1849 to 1852. A pioneer of the silver mining industry in Chile, working with Juan Godoy from 1832, he is still remembered as an illustrious figure in the Atacama mining industry and in the history of Copiapó.

Early life and patriotism He was born in La Serena, the son of José Antonio Gallo y Rocalandro, a distinguished gentleman and radical of the 18th century, who was born in Viareggio, Italy. His father died in 1818 at the age of 90. Gallo Vergara was later involved in the wine industry, producing the most exquisite Atacama wines of the period. but he was known to have served as a Deputy of the Republic representing Copiapó, Chañaral and Freirina from 1849 to 1852 as he succeeded Juan José Aldunate Larraín and was succeeded by José Francisco Gana Lópe. March 8, 1853 is now cited in genealogical records to be the accurate date of his death. He is still remembered as an illustrious figure in the Atacama mining industry and in the history of Copiapó.