Perhaps, you’ve wondered how San Vicente, Buenos Aires, got its name. This town, the administrative heart of San Vicente Partido, carries a history richer than its humble elevation of 25 meters might suggest.
San Vicente owes its name to Saint Vincent Ferrer. He was a Dominican friar from the 14th century. The town’s story began long before it was officially named. Spanish conquistadores established an Indian Reduction here in 1618. It was initially known as Laguna de la Reducción.
In 1696, Luis Pessoa y Figueroa bought land south of the San Vicente Lagoon. It was then called Laguna del Ojo. His son, Juan Bautista Pessoa, started a small settlement in 1734. A fort, Fortín El Zanjón, was built in 1750. It was manned by the Blandengues cavalry corps.
Friar Vicente Pessoa, Luis’s grandson, established the first Catholic parish in 1781. On December 30, 1784, the county of Magdalena was divided. San Vicente was formally established as one of the towns.
San Vicente became a county seat in 1822. One of the province’s first Justice of the Peace courts was founded here. In 1824, Governor Juan José Viamonte established La Martiniana. It became the area’s first large estancia. English Argentine settlers flocked to San Vicente. By 1854, it was the provincial capital of sheep farming. The area boasted over 558,000 head of sheep.
Recurrent floods threatened the town. Provincial authorities suggested relocating San Vicente. Residents resisted this proposal. The Municipality of San Vicente was formally established on January 27, 1856.
A tram service began in 1896. This spurred a new era of growth. World War I and the collapse of the wool market interrupted this growth. In 1928, the Buenos Aires Great Southern Railway connected San Vicente to Buenos Aires. This brought renewed growth. The Ramón Carrillo Hospital opened in 1949. The rail station closed in 1978 due to budget cuts.
San Vicente is also slated to house the National Cattle Ranchers’ Market. A 2001 ordinance mandated its relocation from Mataderos. This has been postponed due to vendor objections.
In the late 20th century, San Vicente transformed. It became a bedroom community. Numerous famous Argentines have called San Vicente home. These included Emilie Schindler, writer Rodolfo Walsh, and comics artist Dante Quinterno. Football captain Jorge Brown also resided here. Psychiatrist Dr. Alejandro Korn lived here. The town of Alejandro Korn is named after him.
Perhaps the most famous residents were Juan and Evita Perón. They bought a weekend home in San Vicente in 1947. Today, it is the site of the 17 de Octubre Museum. Juan Perón’s remains were moved here in 2006. Other attractions include the San Vicente Lagoon, the Parish of St. Vincent Ferrer, and Mariano Moreno Square. Don’t forget the San Vicente Cultural Museum.
San Vicente continues to evolve. From an Indian Reduction to a sought-after residential area. Its landmarks and stories offer a glimpse into Argentina’s past. San Vicente is a blend of historical significance and modern life.