Buenos Aires – History

Buenos Aires was first established in 1536 as the result of a Spanish expedition led by Pedro de Mendoza. The initial foundation is located in the modern-day San Telmo district. Due to attacked on the settlers by the native residents, the area was initially abolished, and a second settlement was established in 1580. During this time and into the 17th century, Buenos Aires relied completely on trade relations. This proved difficult due to regular sea attacks by pirates as well as prohibitive taxes, which would later be abolished in the 18th century.

In the early 1800s, the Argentine War of Independence broke out. During this time, British forces attacked Buenos Aires multiple times, including a successful invasion in 1806. The British would quickly be pushed out by opposing forces, but this brief British rule saw the regional capital move to Córdoba until the city was retaken by local forces which saw the city of Buenos Aires reinstated. Formal independence for Argentina would only occur in 1816 at the Congress of Tucumán. Throughout the raging of the Spanish-American wars of independence, Buenos Aires was one of the only major cities to survive without falling to royalist ruling.

The 19th century saw mass immigration to Buenos Aires from various European countries, including many from Spain. The city became multicultural and further development saw it comparative to many European cities of the time. Development such as the Colón Theater as well as the development of superior radio, television, and cinema infrastructure helped the city move into a period of reconstruction and prosperity. The period of 1945 to 1980 saw a major construction boom and shaped much of the city that we see today.

Conflict rose again in the 1970s during fighting between various revolutionary movements. A coup in 1976 further pushed Buenos Aires into the conflict and resulted in a dictatorship that would last until the 1980s. It was during this time that Buenos Aires saw a revival in both cultural and economic affairs, with a significant boom again occurring in the city, this time in both the construction and financial sectors. In 1994, the Argentine Constitution was reformed, and Buenos Aires held its first mayoral elections under these new statutes. This resulted in a new head of the government that would ultimately become the President of Argentina.

Modern day Buenos Aires relies on a variety of industries, including manufacturing and financial services. Some of its key exports include meat, fish,grain, and the city (as well as Argentina as a whole) is well known for its wine exports. Additionally, the service industry including tourism accounts for a significant portion of the city’s jobs. Buenos Aires is one of the most visited cities in all of South America.

 

 

Historical Locations 

Catedral Primada

Address: San Martín 27, C1004 CABA, Argentina
Phone: +54 11 4331-2845
Operating Hours:
– Monday 7:30am – 6:45pm
– Tuesday 7:30am – 6:45pm
– Wednesday 7:30am – 6:45pm
– Thursday 7:30am – 6:45pm
– Friday 7:30am – 6:45pm
– Saturday 9:00am – 7:00pm
– Sunday 9:00am – 7:00pm
Admission Cost:
– FREE
Website

 

 

Plaza Dorrego

Address: Humberto 1º 400, C1103 CABA, Argentina
Phone: N/A
Operating Hours:
– Open 24 hours
Admission Cost:
– FREE
Website

 

 

Cemiterio de Recoleta

Address: Junín 1760, C1113 CABA, Argentina
Phone: +54 11 4803-1594
Operating Hours:
– Monday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Tuesday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Wednesday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Thursday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Saturday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Sunday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Admission Cost:
– FREE
Website