“Adventure awaits” whispered the wind as it rustled through the trees of Estancia La Magdalena. This place whispers stories of Argentina’s past. It echoes with the dreams and struggles of those who shaped this land.
Estancia La Magdalena offers a unique glimpse into Argentina’s history. It is a place where time seems to slow down. The air is filled with the scent of earth and memories.
In 1580 Juan de Garay founded Buenos Aires. Colonization began from Riachuelo to the Salado River. Garay arrived at what would become Magdalena. It was the day of Santa Ana. He named it Valle de Santa Ana. Lands were divided among the first settlers.
The coastal strip from Parque Lezama to Magdalena was divided. It was split into 30 “estancias”. Each front was half a league long. The road at the back was called “Fondo de la legua.” Alonso de Escobar and others were among the first landowners.
Around 1600 Valle de Santa Ana and Atalaya gained historical significance. Valle de Santa Ana was near Chief Tubichamini’s indigenous settlement. Atalaya served as a base for military garrisons.
The “Pago de la Magdalena” was first mentioned in 1611. This was in the Acts of the Buenos Aires Ecclesiastical Council. Magdalena was divided into “Suertes de Estancias”. It supplied food and firewood to Buenos Aires. Larger estancias contributed forestry, cultivation, and livestock. This was for local consumption and export.
From 1600 to 1778 the Buenos Aires Council appointed two mayors. One was located in the “Pago de la Magdalena.” In 1730 the boundary with La Matanza was set. The original Pago de la Magdalena stretched from the Riachuelo to the Salado River.
In 1766 the Buenos Aires Council decided to improve policing in the countryside. The “Alcalde de Hermandad” governed large areas. He oversaw the militia companies guarding the frontier.
In 1780 it was subdivided into three pagos. These were “la Laguna de la Reducción”, “de los Quilmes”, and “de la Isla” or “Santa María Magdalena.” By 1784 the Council recognized it as the Partido de la Magdalena district.
The municipality filed a claim for 35 million dollars to the Shell company in 2002. It was not backed up by the national or provincial governments. As a compromise, the company agreed to pay 10 million dollars and aid to the town.
As you leave Estancia La Magdalena consider its enduring legacy. Think about the families who lived here. Remember the events that shaped its identity. This estancia remains a vital part of Argentina’s story. It is a reminder of the past. It is a celebration of the present.