Arturo Seguí

On the outskirts of La Plata, a unique town whispers stories of resilience. Arturo Seguí, a blend of modern life and rural charm, awaits. Arturo Seguí was born from the vision of its namesake, Arturo Seguí, and Francisco Bertoletti. In 1904, they purchased 72 blocks of land in “Villa Nueva Elisa,” a venture initially stalled by the 1890 financial crisis. Their belief in the region’s potential laid the foundation for this distinctive community. The arrival of the La Plata-Avellaneda railway line in 1926 transformed the area. The “Los Eucaliptus” stop, later renamed Arturo Seguí, spurred economic and population growth, marking March 1st, 1928, as the town’s official founding date. The railway connected Avellaneda’s fruit market with La Plata’s port. This fueled Arturo Seguí’s growth as an agricultural hub. Early families cultivated vegetables, then expanded to flowers, fruits, and brickmaking. This growth spurred community development. The Escuela Primaria N°32 (1929), Centro de Fomento “El Progreso,” Centro Tradicionalista “Pampa y Cielo,” and Capilla “Exaltación de la Santa Cruz” (1965) emerged, shaping the town’s identity. Subdelegate Ismael Llopart championed adult education, leading to the establishment of Escuela Secundaria N°7 “República Argentina.” A heartwarming anecdote tells of 14 simultaneous weddings officiated by Padre Carlos Mujica, arranged by Llopart. Sadly, Llopart’s story ended tragically with his abduction and disappearance by the “Triple A” death squad and Federal Police. Despite setbacks, Arturo Seguí’s spirit endured. The 1977 closure of the La Plata-Avellaneda railway line dealt a severe blow. The last train’s departure on June 24, 1977, marked a turning point, as recounted in Amalia Criballati’s “Historias y Recuerdos de Arturo Seguí.” Yet, the community rallied. The former railway land was transformed into a plaza, library, sports club, and rodeo grounds. These spaces now host anniversary celebrations, concerts, and markets, keeping the town’s heart beating. Arturo Seguí stands as a testament to perseverance. It’s a place where the echoes of the railway era mingle with the vibrancy of modern life. A visit here is a step back in time. It’s a chance to experience the warmth of rural traditions and the enduring spirit of a community that refused to be forgotten.