Do you hear that? It is the whisper of the Arroyo de la Cruz. This stream gave its name to this very town. The Arroyo de la Cruz whispers tales of battles and railways. It also tells of a community’s growth.
This arroyo, one of many feeding the Paraná River, lends its name to our location. Back in 1818 this area was known as Cañada de la Cruz. A significant battle occurred here on June 28 1820. This clash, the Battle of Cañada de la Cruz, took place near Puente Fierro. This is next to what is now National Route 8.
Picture this: 2000 men under Soler faced 1500 of López’s troops near the Arroyo de la Cruz. Soler’s forces included artillery infantry dragoons and hunters. López’s divisions were led by Carlos María de Alvear and José Miguel Carrera. These were unexpected figures who had joined the federal army.
Pagola initiated the battle attacking Carrera’s forces. They managed to resist. Soler ordered his artillery to open fire. Leading 600 men he charged the enemy line’s center. Alvear met them twice forcing Soler to retreat. Alvear and Carrera then flanked French’s division. French’s division was stuck in the swampy Cañada causing heavy losses. López seized the moment launching a dragoon attack securing victory. Soler fled toward Luján. The battle left nearly 200 dead and many prisoners. Even General French was captured and all of Soler’s artillery was lost.
Following this battle Carlos María de Alvear named the area El Arroyo de la Cruz. From this day on the zone and subsequently the town became known by this name.
Now fast forward to 1895. The railway’s arrival spurred growth in this once-desolate area. The train station opened in 1909. It primarily served cargo trains on the Ferrocarril General Belgrano’s Ramal CC. It was once part of the FC Central Córdoba line from Retiro to Rosario. The Arroyo de la Cruz station provided a necessary rest stop for railway workers. They frequented the old general store near Route 192 now a dirt road leading to Capilla del Señor. The station closed in 1977. There was hope it would reopen for passengers and cargo. The old post office also closed when the station shut down.
Later around 1977 Olga and Margarita Vadano decided to divide their lands near the Arroyo de la Cruz. Bracato oversaw the division creating two neighborhoods. These were Barrio La Esperanza and Barrio Don Mateo. Barrio Don Mateo was named after the old store. Today Route 192 is paved improving access and boosting population growth. Arroyo de la Cruz is now just 5 km from Capilla del Señor. It is also the same distance from Parada Robles.
Today Arroyo de la Cruz is accessible by Line 501 RAMAL C. This bus service connects Capilla del Señor Arroyo de la Cruz Parada Robles and Barrio Arturo Mateo. From Buenos Aires you can take Acceso Norte and Route 8 to km 77.5. Then take Provincial Route 192. This route connects to Capilla del Señor.
As of 2015 Arroyo de la Cruz has seen immense population growth. It has increased sixfold since 2010 reaching 2000 residents. Many own weekend homes here.
Remember the Arroyo de la Cruz. Its waters have witnessed battles the rise of the railway and the growth of a community.