Caseros and El Palomar: A History of Growth and Transformation
The story of Caseros and El Palomar is a narrative of evolution, shifting from colonial land grants to a bustling urban center in the Buenos Aires Province. Originally known as Cañada de Ruiz, these lands were granted by Juan de Garay to Captain Juan Ruiz in 1580 during the second foundation of the province. The area initially consisted of two camps, each 1,600 yards wide, stretching from the Río de las Conchas (now the Reconquista River).
Over the centuries, the land changed hands through successive sales. By 1781, it was owned by Isidro Burgos, who sold the property to Diego Casero. It was from Diego Casero's name that the locality eventually derived its modern name, Caseros. In 1788, Casero constructed a pigeon breeding facility in the area now known as El Palomar—a detail that would later inspire the name of the local railroad station.
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Key Facts
- Foundation: Caseros was officially founded on February 21, 1892.
- Military Significance: The area was the site of the Battle of Caseros on February 3, 1852, where General Urquiza defeated Juan Manuel de Rosas.
- Railroad Impact: The arrival of the Rural Railroad Tramway and the Buenos Aires of Pacific Railroad catalyzed urban growth.
- Education: The Universidad Nacional de Tres de Febrero (UNTreF), established in 1995, now serves approximately 13,000 students.
- Sports: The town is home to Club Atlético Estudiantes, which competes in the Primera B Nacional.
The Path to Urbanization
Land Ownership and the Battle of Caseros
In 1850, Manuel Ceferino Lynch Roo acquired the lands of Caseros. Lynch, who married Ana Espinoza de los Monteros Banfi and later her sister Ignacia, held the land until his death in 1884. During this era, the region gained historical prominence as the setting for the Battle of Caseros on February 3, 1852. This pivotal conflict saw the forces of General Urquiza triumph over those of Juan Manuel de Rosas.
The Arrival of the Railroad
The late 19th century brought a transportation revolution. In 1888, the Rural Railroad Tramway of Federico Lacroze (now the Ferrocarril General Urquiza) and the Buenos Aires of Pacific Railroad (now the Ferrocarril General San Martín) began operating through the town. Initially, only two intermediate stations existed between Palermo and Pilar: Caseros and Muñiz.
The inauguration of the railroad sparked immediate development. The first 70 blocks surrounding the Caseros station were constructed, bounded by Lisandro de la Torre, Bonifacini, General Hornos, and Bartolomé Mitre Avenue. This nucleus eventually became the head town of the Tres de Febrero Partido.
Following the death of Federico Lacroze in 1899, his son Teófilo took command. In 1891, the Rural Tramway transitioned from blood-driven power to steam locomotives and was renamed the Ferrocarril Rural de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Consequently, the Caseros station was renamed Martín Coronado station.
Community Development and Early Settlers
Education and Early Commerce
Education became a priority in the 1890s. School No. 12 opened in March 1896 in a property owned by Luis Cavassa. The school had previously operated as School No. 8 in San Martín but moved to Caseros to accommodate a growing student population. It was led by María Silva and later by Arminda Baker Baldini.
The Cafferata family, arriving in 1861, are recognized as among the first settlers. They leased the land where the 1852 battle occurred, using found weapons and ammunition as souvenirs while farming the land. Other early prominent families included the Cavassa, Raceeto, Ferro, Merlo, Sabarot, Candela, Medina, Gosso, Vexina, and Guisulpo families.
Commerce grew steadily with Luis Cavassa establishing the first grocery store at the intersection of Libertador San Martín Avenue and Valentín Gómez. Other early businesses included Joaquín Mendoza's store and haberdashery (1905) and Santiago Chiavasco's shoe store. The town's first physician was Dr. Garcia.
Civic Growth and Institutions
The town's infrastructure expanded with the opening of the first Post Office in 1908 and the Registry Office on December 6, 1911. By 1912, José Gioia was authorized to implement official street numbering. In 1939, the Scout Group Sargento Cabral was founded, now known as the No. 93 Group Scout Argentina Civil Association.
Sports and Higher Education
Caseros has a strong sporting tradition, once hosting two stadiums. Club Atlético Estudiantes, playing in the Primera B Nacional, maintains a stadium with a capacity of 17,000. The other team, Justo José de Urquiza (playing in Primera C), operated a 2,500-capacity stadium in Caseros until 1993, when they moved to Loma Hermosa.
In 1995, the town entered a new era of academic prestige with the creation of the Universidad Nacional de Tres de Febrero (UNTreF). Located on Valentín Gómez street opposite the Caseros Station, the university now hosts around 13,000 students across various bachelor's degrees.
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1580 | Land Grant to Juan Ruiz | Original establishment as Cañada de Ruiz |
| 1852 | Battle of Caseros | Defeat of Juan Manuel de Rosas |
| 1888 | Railroad Integration | Catalyst for urban housing and growth |
| 1892 | Official Foundation | Formal establishment of Caseros |
| 1995 | UNTreF Founded | Establishment of major higher education hub |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the original name of the area?
The area was originally called Cañada de Ruiz, named after Captain Juan Ruiz, who was granted the land by Juan de Garay in 1580.
Why is the town called Caseros?
The name is a distortion of Diego Casero, who purchased the land in 1781 and later built a pigeon breeding facility in the area.
What is the historical significance of the Battle of Caseros?
Fought on February 3, 1852, the battle resulted in the defeat of Juan Manuel de Rosas by the army commanded by General Urquiza.
How did the railroad influence the town's layout?
The inauguration of the railroad led to the construction of the first 70 blocks around the Caseros station, creating the first housing nuclei and establishing the town as the head of the Tres de Febrero Partido.
What major educational institution is located in Caseros?
The Universidad Nacional de Tres de Febrero (UNTreF), founded in 1995, is located opposite the Caseros Station and serves approximately 13,000 students.