The city of Ovalle was founded in 1821, in the beginnings of the Republic. One of the reasons for the foundation of this city was the existence of a population of more than 3,000 people already there at that time. It was named Ovalle in honor of the late Vice President José Tomás Ovalle Bezanilla, who is believed to have died of tuberculosis.

The foundation was endorsed by Supreme Decree on May 7, 1831. On creation of the Department of the Region of Ovalle, this city went on to be its capital.

It was made a City by Supreme Decree on December 31, 1867.