Pisagua was an important Peruvian port in the 19th century, mainly exporting nitrates from the nearby desert plains. The Battle of Pisagua was fought near here between Chilean and Peruvian / Bolivian forces on 2 November 1879 during the War of the Pacific and marked the start of the Tarapacá Campaign. Chilean naval forces bombarded Peruvian land defences before landing at Playa Blanca close to Pisagua (the first time Chilean forces set foot on Peruvian territory). After fierce fighting they captured Pisagua, giving them a base where they could land soldiers, weapons and supplies for the land campaign. The remains of the Peruvian defences can still be visited.