Might the story of San Jorge begin long before its physical presence? San Jorge is a rural town in the Buenos Aires Province. It carries a history deeply rooted in Argentina’s agricultural past. Let’s step back to the late 19th century. Picture vast expanses of land ripe for development.
In 1889, Jorge Keen proposed forming agricultural centers on his land. The government authorized Keen to establish the Centro Agrícola San Jorge. Max Berlín surveyed the area for this new center.
However, the story takes an interesting turn. Before the center was fully established, Keen sold his land to Héctor de Elía. De Elía was already acting as the administrator. The sale included 27,727 hectares. The price was 1,283,738 pesos moneda nacional.
San Jorge officially came into being on August 7, 1889. This is when the government approved the survey of the agricultural center. Héctor de Elía is credited as the founder. He had a vision for creating communities. He founded Colonia Elia, Dolores, and Villa Elisa in Entre Rios. San Jorge was another of his projects.
The main streets of San Jorge bear the names of Keen and de Elía. This honors their contributions to the town’s beginning. Early life in San Jorge revolved around agriculture. It became a vital stop between Rocha train station and Laprida. Carts arrived carrying supplies to Laprida and local businesses. This traffic helped the town grow. Immigrants from Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Turkey, and Russia arrived by train. They sought new lives in the Argentinian countryside.
San Jorge had a population between 1200 and 1400. Services were basic at that time. Residents used lanterns, lamps, or candles for light. They drew water from wells. There were lodgings, restaurants, and various shops. Common jobs included shearing sheep and harvesting crops by hand.
New technologies and changes in agriculture reduced the need for workers. Families moved to bigger towns or industrial centers. Today, about 350 people live in San Jorge.
The community dreams of a paved road. This would improve access. It would bring more visitors. Residents also want to create jobs. They hope to encourage young people to stay in San Jorge. Some want to develop tourism. They want visitors to experience rural life. The town works with Laprida to achieve this.
Today, San Jorge offers workshops in spinning, weaving, and sewing. Participants hope these skills will become a source of income. San Jorge is also known for its architectural heritage. The Capilla Nuestra Señora del Carmen was built in 1900. The municipal delegation building reflects a neocolonial style.
San Jorge also has a rich cultural heritage. The romerías are a traditional dance. It dates back to before 1903. San Jorge is a testament to the enduring spirit. It is a place where the past shapes the present.