Tapiales: A Historic Town in Greater Buenos Aires
Nestled within the La Matanza Partido of the Buenos Aires Province, Tapiales is a town that embodies the industrial and residential growth of Greater Buenos Aires. From its origins as a rural estate to its current role as a commercial hub, Tapiales has evolved alongside the infrastructure of Argentina's capital region.
Key Facts
- Established: January 22, 1902.
- Location: La Matanza Partido, Greater Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Population: 15,158 (as of the 2001 census).
- Primary Employer: The Buenos Aires Central Market.
- Key Landmark: Chacra de Los Tapiales.
The Origins and Early Development of Tapiales
The town was officially established on January 22, 1902, by Agustín Elía. The development was strategically placed along the newly inaugurated Buenos Aires Western Railway (Ferrocarril Oeste de Buenos Aires), which provided the necessary connectivity for the settlement to thrive.
Elía acquired the land from the estate of Francisco Bernabé Madero, a former Vice President of Argentina. By 1906, the property was sold to La Franco Argentina, a prominent real estate firm in Buenos Aires. This company further developed the area by selling land in lots to investors and homeowners.
The town derives its name from Chacra de Los Tapiales, an "adobe wall ranch" built by the Altolaguirre family in the early 19th century. This structure remains a significant landmark in the town today.
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Infrastructure and Urban Growth
In 1908, the railway—in which La Franco Argentina held a financial stake—expanded the town's utility by opening both a station and a rail yard. However, the town's geography was significantly altered in 1952 with the opening of the Riccheri Freeway. This major highway was constructed to link Buenos Aires with the Ministro Pistarini International Airport, located approximately 8 miles (13 km) to the southwest.
The latter half of the 20th century saw a surge in residential development. Between 1968 and 1971, El Hogar Obrero, a leader in the Argentine cooperative movement, constructed a massive cooperative housing complex consisting of 900 units, contributing to the town's population density.
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Economic Significance: The Central Market
Today, Tapiales is best known as the site of the Buenos Aires Central Market. Inaugurated in 1984 to replace the Abasto de Buenos Aires, it stands as the largest wholesale market in the nation. This facility serves as the primary economic engine for the town and is its largest employer.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Province | Buenos Aires |
| Partido | La Matanza |
| Total Area | 4.8 km² (1.9 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 30 m (98 ft) |
| Population Density | 3,200/km² (8,200/sq mi) |
| CPA Base | B 1770 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Tapiales get its name?
The town is named after the Chacra de Los Tapiales, an adobe wall ranch built by the Altolaguirre family in the early 19th century.
Who founded the town of Tapiales?
The town was established on January 22, 1902, by Agustín Elía on land purchased from the estate of former Vice President Francisco Bernabé Madero.
What is the main economic driver in Tapiales?
The Buenos Aires Central Market, the largest wholesale market in Argentina, is the town's largest employer and primary economic hub.
What major infrastructure projects affected the town's layout?
The town was significantly impacted by the 1908 opening of the railway station and rail yard, and later geographically divided by the construction of the Riccheri Freeway in 1952.
What is the population of Tapiales?
According to the 2001 census conducted by INDEC, the total population of Tapiales was 15,158.