Banfield: A History of Urban Growth and Transformation
The city of Banfield owes its existence and early expansion to the strategic development of the railway system. Originally established to facilitate communication between the provincial capital of Buenos Aires and Chascomús, the area evolved from rural estates into a thriving urban center. This transformation was accelerated by public health crises and the systematic subdivision of land during the late 19th century.
The Colonial Roots and Land Ownership
Long before the city's formal establishment, the land underwent several changes in ownership. In 1765, Juan de Zamora sold his property to the Colegio de Nuestra Señora de Belén. However, following the expulsion and dissolution of the Jesuit order of Río de la Plata in 1767, the property and its accompanying stream were renamed Del Rey.
After 1810, the estate became known as Estancia del Estado. It was sold to Anacleto Cajigas in 1814 and subsequently transferred to Ignacio Correas in 1815. Correas settled in the area later known as Monte Correas and, in 1833, annexed further property. This land eventually became the basis for the 1873 subdivision involving Calle Real (now Alsina Avenue), Chacabuco, Rincón, and Arenales.
The property passed from Ignacio Correa to his daughter, Magdalena Correa, who sold it to Gregorio Larios in 1854. By 1872, the land was acquired by José Plá, setting the stage for the town's official birth.
The Birth of a Town: Railways and Real Estate
The formal origin of Banfield is tied to the creation of the railway station in 1871. This period coincided with a devastating yellow fever epidemic in Buenos Aires, which prompted many middle-class families to migrate from the capital to the suburbs, diversifying the population of the region.
On August 15, 1873, the firm Adolfo Bulrich published a notice in the newspaper La Prensa advertising the liquidation of 417 lots. The advertisement highlighted the proximity to the great buildings of the Ferrocarril del Sud (Southern Railway) and promised vaulted streets and groves of paradise. The first deed from this auction was issued to Alejandro Tabaco on August 19, 1873, followed by Diego Stevens on August 20.
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Urban Layout and Expansion
Banfield began as a modest wooden structure at the current station site, where Maipú Street (to the east) and French Street (to the west) diverge. Historically, the railway station grew toward the west, while dairy farms and vegetable gardens occupied the east. This layout is still evident in the station fronts of Banfield, Lomas de Zamora, and Temperley, all of which feature the station manager's office on the western end platform.
As the city expanded through the subdivision of these farms, a new commercial hub emerged on the eastern side, shifting the center of business activity.
Industrial Legacy and Modern Identity
At the start of the 20th century, the Banfield station spanned the area between Hipólito Yrigoyen Avenue and Leandro N. Alem Street, and between Alberto Larroque Street and Pedro Uriarte Avenue. The industrial workshops mentioned in early advertisements once operated near the Remedios de Escalada Station.
Today, these historic railway warehouses and workshops have been repurposed. They now house the National University of Lanús, the Argentine Ferroclub, the headquarters of Remedios de Escalada, and a Locomotive and Wagon Repair Workshop.
Banfield was officially declared a city on November 17, 1960, following the sanction of Provincial Law No. 6,331.
Key Facts
- Foundation: The town's birth is linked to the 1871 creation of the railway station.
- Catalyst for Growth: The 1871 yellow fever epidemic drove middle-class migration from Buenos Aires to the suburbs.
- Land Development: Adolfo Bulrich auctioned 417 lots in August 1873.
- Official Status: Banfield was legally declared a city in November 1960.
- Industrial Heritage: Former railway workshops now serve as the National University of Lanús.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1765 | Juan de Zamora sells property to Colegio de Nuestra Señora de Belén |
| 1815 | Ignacio Correas settles in Monte Correas |
| 1871 | Creation of the railway station and yellow fever outbreak |
| 1873 | Adolfo Bulrich auctions residential lots |
| 1960 | Banfield is officially declared a city |
Darker Chapters: The Pozo de Banfield
The city's history also includes a period of state violence. During the military dictatorship known as the National Reorganization Process, a clandestine detention center called Pozo de Banfield operated at the intersection of Vernet and Siciliano streets. This site has since been converted into a museum of memory to honor the victims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the initial population growth in Banfield?
The growth was driven by the construction of the railroad and the 1871 yellow fever epidemic in Buenos Aires, which led middle-class families to seek residence in the suburbs.
Who was responsible for the first major land subdivision in the area?
The firm Adolfo Bulrich conducted the first major auction of lots in August 1873, offering 417 parcels near the Ferrocarril del Sud buildings.
What happened to the old railway workshops?
The former warehouses and workshops are now occupied by the National University of Lanús, the Argentine Ferroclub, the Remedios de Escalada headquarters, and a repair workshop for locomotives and wagons.
When did Banfield officially become a city?
Banfield was declared a city via Provincial Law No. 6,331, which was published in the Official Gazette on November 17, 1960.
What is the Pozo de Banfield?
It was a clandestine detention center used during the National Reorganization Process (military dictatorship) located at Vernet and Siciliano streets; it now serves as a museum of memory.