At what time was Puerto Iguazú established?

Introduction to Puerto Iguazú

Puerto Iguazú is a city located in the northeastern corner of Argentina, in the province of Misiones. It borders Brazil and Paraguay, and it is best known as the gateway to the Iguazú Falls, one of the most impressive natural attractions in the world. But Puerto Iguazú is more than just a tourist destination; it has a rich history that spans over five centuries, marked by the presence of indigenous peoples, European explorers, Jesuit missionaries, Spanish colonizers, and Argentine patriots.

Early history of Puerto Iguazú

The first inhabitants of the area where Puerto Iguazú stands today were the Guarani people, who lived in the region for thousands of years before the arrival of the Europeans. They were skilled farmers, hunters, and artisans, and they had a complex social and religious organization. The Guarani believed in a supreme being, called Tupã, and they practiced animistic rituals to communicate with the spirits of nature. They also had a rich tradition of oral storytelling and music, which still influences the cultural identity of the region.

The arrival of the Jesuits

In the 16th century, the Spanish and Portuguese began to explore and conquer the Americas, and they soon realized the strategic importance of the region where Puerto Iguazú is located. The area was rich in natural resources, such as wood, yerba mate, and minerals, and it was a gateway to the interior of South America. The Spanish Crown decided to send Jesuit missionaries to establish missions in the area, with the double purpose of converting the indigenous peoples to Christianity and creating a buffer zone against the Portuguese. The Jesuits arrived in 1609, and they soon founded a network of missions, which became known as the "Jesuit Reductions".

Spanish colonization of Puerto Iguazú

The Jesuits were expelled from the Americas in 1767, and the region where Puerto Iguazú is located fell under the control of the Spanish Crown. The Spanish established a military outpost near the Iguazú River, which they named Fort San José. The fort served as a base for Spanish expeditions to the interior, and it also protected the area from Portuguese incursions. In 1776, the Spanish Crown created the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata, which included the territories of present-day Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia. The region where Puerto Iguazú is located became part of the Province of Paraguay.

The creation of the Province of Misiones

In 1810, Argentina declared its independence from Spain, but it was not until 1814 that the region where Puerto Iguazú is located was liberated from Spanish rule. The area became part of the Province of Corrientes, which later became part of the Province of Entre Ríos. In 1881, the Province of Misiones was created, and it included the territories of the former Jesuit Reductions. The new province was named after the Guarani word "misiones", which means "missions". The city of Puerto Iguazú did not exist yet, but the area was already a hub of commercial and political activity.

Independence and the founding of Puerto Iguazú

In 1901, a group of settlers decided to establish a new town near the Iguazú River, which they called Puerto Iguazú. The name comes from the Guarani words "y" (water) and "guazú" (big), meaning "big water". The new town grew quickly, thanks to the construction of a railroad and the exploitation of yerba mate and timber. In 1914, Puerto Iguazú became part of the Department of General Belgrano, in the Province of Misiones. In 1953, it became a municipality, and in 1973, it was declared a city.

Post-independence growth and development

After the establishment of Puerto Iguazú, the region experienced a period of rapid growth and development. The city became a center of trade, agriculture, and industry, and it attracted immigrants from many parts of the world. The construction of the Pan-American Highway in the 1930s and the opening of the Iguazú National Park in the 1940s boosted tourism in the region. In the 1960s and 1970s, the city underwent a process of urbanization, with the construction of new neighborhoods, public buildings, and infrastructure.

The 20th century in Puerto Iguazú

The 20th century was a period of profound changes and challenges for Puerto Iguazú. The city had to adapt to new economic, social, and political realities, such as the globalization of the economy, the consolidation of democratic institutions, and the protection of the environment. The city also had to face natural disasters, such as floods and landslides, and social conflicts, such as the struggle for land rights and the defense of indigenous cultures. However, the people of Puerto Iguazú always showed resilience and creativity, and they managed to overcome the obstacles and keep the spirit of the city alive.

The modern era: tourism and infrastructure

Today, Puerto Iguazú is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, with a population of around 80,000 people. The city is known worldwide for its natural beauty and cultural diversity, and it attracts millions of visitors every year. The main attraction is still the Iguazú Falls, which were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. The city also offers a wide range of activities and services, such as adventure sports, wildlife watching, cultural events, and gastronomic experiences. In recent years, the city has invested heavily in infrastructure, such as airports, roads, hotels, and public spaces, to improve the quality of life of its residents and visitors.

The significance of Puerto Iguazú today

Puerto Iguazú is more than just a tourist destination; it is a symbol of the resilience and diversity of the Argentine people. The city has a rich cultural heritage, which is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, music, and art. The city also faces many challenges, such as the preservation of its natural resources, the promotion of sustainable tourism, the protection of its cultural heritage, and the promotion of social inclusion. However, the city has a strong sense of identity and community, and it is determined to overcome any obstacle and build a better future for its people.

Conclusion: a timeline of Puerto Iguazú

-Pre-Columbian era: Guarani people inhabit the region for thousands of years.
-1609: Jesuit missionaries arrive and establish missions in the area.
-1767: Jesuits are expelled from the Americas; Spanish colonize the region.
-1814: The region is liberated from Spanish rule and becomes part of Argentina.
-1881: The Province of Misiones is created, including the former Jesuit Reductions.
-1901: Puerto Iguazú is founded.
-1953: Puerto Iguazú becomes a municipality.
-1973: Puerto Iguazú becomes a city.