 Historically, it served as a highway of sorts for the Pehuenches that lived on either side of the Andes mountain range.This area is known for its natural environment, and the Conguillío and Tolhuaca National Parks, and Malleco and Malalcahuello-Nalcas National Reserves are close by.The fort at Curacautín was founded on March 12, 1882 by Gregorio Urrutia.