Введение The Foundational Historical Circuit

In this tour, you will be able to explore and delve into the history and origins of the city of Río Cuarto.

During the visit, you will discover emblematic sites such as Plaza Roca, the historic Cabildo building, the Cathedral Church, Trapalanda Cultural Center, San Francisco Church, Regional Historical Museum, and the Municipal Palace. These attractions have witnessed the development of the city over time.

In pre-Hispanic times, the territory was sparsely inhabited by the nomadic Taluhet people and the Comechingones. Hence its name, Chocancharava.

The first Spaniards arrived in the region in 1573, after founding the city of Córdoba. The fertile lands were populated by cattle ranchers until a century later when all the properties came under the dominion of the Convent of Santa Catalina.

From 1750, the convent decided to divide the vast estate, first leasing and then selling it to numerous buyers. This phenomenon, known as "The First Colonization of Río Cuarto," led to accelerated socio-economic development.

In 1776, the region came under the jurisdiction of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata, and as a result, mercantile traffic along the crossing roads was reactivated. The trade and the new properties attracted the indigenous people inhabiting the southern Pampas (Araucanos, Ranqueles), who began to besiege the estates and roads, driving off cattle and capturing women and children.

To defend themselves against these attacks, the Spaniards established the Río Cuarto frontier, consisting of three main forts and several intermediate fortifications. The Santa Catalina Fort, located fourteen leagues southeast of the present-day city, guarded the bells of the Río Cuarto. Additionally, in 1782, a fort was built in Agustín de Balmaceda's house, and he was appointed its commander.

In 1784, the Marquis of Sobremonte assumed the governorship-intendency of Córdoba del Tucumán. Faced with the repeated and severe damages suffered by the Río Cuarto frontier, he decided to gather the scattered residents in formal settlements.

On November 11, 1786, after personally inspecting the land and finding it suitable, he ordered the formation of the Villa de la Concepción del Río Cuarto, commissioning Alberto Soria, a local resident, to distribute the plots of land. Soria's residence was moved from the previous fort to the new location.

After 1829, the city of Río Cuarto became one of the theaters of the conflict between the Federalists and Unitarians, which led to an increase in indigenous raids (malones) and resulted in the almost depopulation of the place by the Criollo population.

From 1880 onwards, massive settlement began with immigrants primarily from Italy and Spain, who established themselves as small farmers (chacareros).

In 1883, the municipal regime was modified, determining that the executive position would be filled by an elected mayor, with Moisés Irusta being the first to hold that position.