You stand before the imposing building of the Municipalidad Distrital de Jacobo Dickson Hunter, its facade a testament to the district’s rich history and its namesake’s legacy. The Municipalidad is a sturdy structure, with its walls painted in a warm ochre, a nod to the earth that surrounds it. Its windows, framed in dark wood, gaze out onto Viña del Mar Street, the heart of this bustling district. This building is much more than a mere government office; it’s the beating heart of a community named after an extraordinary man.
Jacobo Dickson Hunter, a Scottish physician, arrived in Peru in 1859. He embarked on a journey aboard a steamship, the first of its kind to reach Callao from Europe. It was during this transformative voyage that he decided to make South America his new home. While he initially practiced medicine in Lima, fate led him to Arequipa in 1861, where he became a beloved figure and revered for his dedication to the well-being of its people. He was not only a skilled doctor but also a man of remarkable compassion. He treated the poor for free, often visiting them on horseback, and he instilled his medical knowledge in countless aspiring young Arequipa doctors.
The district of Jacobo Hunter, established in 1990, holds his memory dear. His wife, Manuela Oviedo, donated the land that was once part of his estate for the development of the urban area that would become the heart of the district. Hunter’s legacy lives on, not just within the district that bears his name, but in the hearts of the Arequipans who remember him for his contributions to their city.
The Municipalidad, a symbol of this district, has witnessed the growth of Jacobo Hunter, from its humble beginnings as a small village on the outskirts of Arequipa to its current status as a vibrant and integral part of the city. The inscription above its entrance, “Jacobo Dickson Hunter, Benefactor of Arequipa,” serves as a constant reminder of the extraordinary man who left an enduring mark on this city.