Mercedes - History

The historical name of "Villa de Mercedes" when in 1865 the governor Mariano Saavedra ordered that the villa should be renamed "Mercedes City " and in 1886 the current municipal regime ought to be established. Back in time, the main economic activity in Mercedes was the metal industry.

The history start in 1745 after the stopping of the attacks of native Indian soldiers. The construction of a Fort six miles away from the Sanctuary of Lujαn, ordered by Juan de San Martνn, indicated the first line of advance in the conquer of the desert and the foundation of " the Guard of Lujαn ". The arrival to the guard of Lujαn on June 25th. of that year, controlled by Captain Jose de Zαrate, had meant the definitive establishment of the Bunker. After the Revolution of May "blandengues" became " Regiment of Cavalry of the country " and the guard of Lujαn was dissolved. In 1812 the Mayor of "Santa Hermandad"( Saint Brotherhood) , first civilian authority of Mercedes was designated; in 1822.

A new constitution was written and Bernardino Rivadavia was elected president. The provinces took offence to this, so Rivadavia resigned and civil war ensued from 1826-1828. It was at this time of civil war that the most influential man in 19th century Argentine history arose, Juan Manuel de Rosas. In 1829 he was elected to a three year term as a federalist, meaning he was an advocate of a government sharing power between the national and provincial sectors, as opposed to an unitario, who would support the idea of a strong central government.

Rosas was really nothing more than a gaucho (an Argentine cowboy). But he managed to make alliance with the Catholic Church and even was successful in enacting laws to improve education. Yet despite his success, he left after his term ended in 1832 to help drive out natives in the south and open up more lands for civilization. These achievements of course made Rosas a national hero.