The building played an important role in transferring the town from Chile to Peru in 1929.

[1] On August 28, 1929, in this building the parties signed the Act transferring Tacna to Peru.

[2] The deal had been negotiated by President Herbert Hoover to resolve a long-standing border dispute between Peru and Chile.

In 1929 it was agreed that Peru would now include the city of Tacna, whereas Arica was confirmed as part of Chile.

[3] The courthouse is open to the public and it contains the Reincorporation Museum, the Tacna Art Gallery, and the Historic Departmental Archives.