Founded as San Juan in 1873 Florencio Varela became a city in 1953. This partido county at the southeastern edge of Greater Buenos Aires has a rich history. It was formed in 1891 from parts of Quilmes San Vicente and Almirante Brown. Florencio Varela’s growth mirrored that of Buenos Aires. It became a suburban area. Less than half lies within the urban area. Its population density is lower than most other counties in Greater Buenos Aires. Railway service and highways connect it to Buenos Aires.
The name Florencio Varela honors a writer and journalist. He was a poet and diplomat. He fought for unitary interests against Juan Manuel de Rosas. He was a member of the May Association. His brother Juan Cruz Varela was also a poet. His son Luis Vicente Varela became a Supreme Court justice.
Early settlers were farmers and ranchers. They lived near the Horqueta Cura estancia. This estancia was on the Arroyo Las Piedras. The area also attracted British and American sheep farmers. It also attracted Italian and Spanish settlers. By 1820 Los Tronquitos was home to many settlers. La Horquetadura and the Arroyo Las Conchitas also saw settlement.
In 1874 Plaza San Juan Bautista opened. The land was donated by Contreras. It’s bordered by Avenida San Martin Maipu 25 de Mayo and Chacabuco. In 1871 there were requests to create a town. This was aided by the yellow fever epidemic in Buenos Aires. Juan de la Cruz Contreras helped. San Juan was dependent on Quilmes.
The town of San Juan needed a chaplain and a church. A church honoring San Juan Bautista was built by 1880. But in the rural area La Capilla San Juan was called Saint John. The townspeople chose the Spanish name. In 1886 the railway station was named Florencio Varela. This spurred the creation of the partido. The new municipality built schools and a cemetery.
The 20th century saw more growth. In 1905 the municipal building was started. Streets were paved. Doctor Salvador Sallarés provided free medical care for 50 years. In the first half of the 20th century Varela was known as Cordoba Chica. It was a summer resort. People rented large houses or quintas.
In 1940 the partido’s borders were changed. In 1948 it joined Greater Buenos Aires. In 1953 the urban area became a city. The creation of Presidente Perón partido in 1995 reduced Varela’s size. Bosques became a city in 1997.
Today Florencio Varela is a vibrant area. It has a rich history and culture. It’s a testament to the resilience of its people. It’s a place of growth and progress. It’s a blend of old and new.