Nestled in the vibrant tapestry of Greater Buenos Aires, Banfield awaits. This bustling city, just a stone’s throw from the heart of Buenos Aires, pulses with a unique energy. Banfield’s story intertwines with the history of the railway. In 1871, the tracks connecting Chascomús and Buenos Aires were laid, carving a path for the city’s future. That same year, a yellow fever epidemic swept through Buenos Aires, driving many to seek refuge in the less populated suburbs, including the area around the newly established Banfield station.
The very name “Banfield” echoes this railway heritage. The station, and subsequently the city, took its name from Edward Banfield, the first manager of the Buenos Aires Great Southern Railway. The official birth of Banfield can be traced to a newspaper advertisement in 1873. Adolfo Bulrich’s firm announced the sale of lots, promising “vaulted streets and groves of paradise” adjacent to the grand buildings of the Ferrocarril del Sud. This marked the beginning of Banfield’s transformation from a quiet rural area to a thriving suburban city.
As Banfield grew, it attracted a diverse population. Among them were families escaping the yellow fever outbreak, seeking a fresh start in the burgeoning suburb. The city’s layout reflects its railway origins. The main shopping center sprung up along Maipú Street, leading east from the station, while a smaller cluster of businesses grew along French Street to the west. This eastward expansion continued as farms and estates were subdivided, creating new streets and opportunities for commerce. By 1960, Banfield had grown so significantly that it was officially declared a city.
Today, Banfield stands as the most populous city in the Lomas de Zamora partido. Its population nearly doubles that of Lomas de Zamora and Temperley themselves. Banfield’s cultural contributions are just as significant. It is home to the Club Atlético Banfield football club, a source of local pride and passion. The city also nurtured the talents of renowned figures like writer Julio Cortázar, tango composer Alfredo De Angelis, and popular singer Sandro. Banfield also bears witness to a darker period in Argentina’s history. The Pozo de Banfield, a clandestine detention center used during the last military dictatorship, stands as a sobering reminder of the past. It serves today as a museum of memory. Banfield is a testament to resilience and growth, its story etched in the tracks of the railway and the hearts of its people.