Here at Muelle 4to Espigón, imagine the bustling port activity of yesteryear. This quay was once a vital point for cargo ships. It connected Buenos Aires to the world. Muelle 4to Espigón played a key role in the city’s economic life.
Let’s step back to 1866. The Ferrocarril Buenos Aires al Puerto de la Ensenada inaugurated a railway station here. It was called Muelle de la Boca. This station was a branch of the main line. It branched off from General Brown station. The line passed through Caminito. Finally it reached the wharf at Vuelta de Rocha.
Think of the trains arriving. They were loaded with goods from Retiro. They came directly to the Muelle de la Boca. The railway facilitated the transport of cargo. It connected the port to the city. It was a vital link for trade.
In 1898, the Ferrocarril del Sud bought the branch. They operated it until 1928. Imagine the changes during those years. Different operators, but the same purpose. Muelle 4to Espigón remained a hub of activity.
The area around Muelle 4to Espigón has a rich history. It involves the dreams of Alberto J. Armando. He was the president of Boca Juniors. In the 1970s, he planned a sports city on the southern riverside. It would have seven artificial islands for different sports. There would be cafes and amusement parks. An amphitheater and camping areas were also planned. But lack of funds prevented the project. Imagine what it could have been like.
Not far from here is the Caminito. It is a colorful street museum. People theorize about the colors of the buildings. One theory says owners asked for leftover paint from ships. This is how they paid. Another theory credits the artist Benito Quinquela Martín. In 1959, he began painting the houses in bright colors. This brightened up the street. Others copied the idea.
Also, there are stories about the “República de La Boca”. Some say that in 1876, La Boca declared itself a republic. This was due to a conflict between Genoan trade unions. They even wrote to the King of Italy. Another version says “República” was the name of a residents’ association. It had famous members, including local artists.
The area’s history goes back even further. Spanish colonizers first settled near here. They built their settlement by El Zanjón. During rainy seasons, water drained into the River Plate. This caused floods.
Muelle 4to Espigón is more than just a quay. It’s a place where the past meets the present. Imagine the sounds of trains and ships. Picture the bustling workers. Feel the history beneath your feet. It’s a reminder of Buenos Aires’ vibrant past.