Merlo history

The history of the city of Merlo, located in the Buenos Aires Province, is inextricably linked to the name of the Spanish notary and landowner Francisco de Merlo. He arrived in Argentina at the beginning of the 18th century and acquired vast lands to the west of Buenos Aires. These territories became the cradle of the future city, the history of which is marked by periods of both rapid development and decline.

Foundation and Early Years

A key date in the city's history is considered to be 28 August 1755. On this day, the Spanish King Ferdinand VI issued a decree authorizing Francisco de Merlo to found a settlement on his lands. The city received the official name Villa San Antonio del Camino, although popularly it was more often called "Merlo's settlement" or "Merlo's chapel". Even before the formal foundation, in 1727, Francisco de Merlo built a chapel here, which in 1730 became the centre of the new church parish of La Matanza. According to the first census of 1742, 75 people lived in the settlement, not counting the founder's own family.

Key Factors of Establishment and Development

Initially, Merlo's development was closely tied to its geographical position on the Camino Real del Oeste (Royal Road of the West) — an important route connecting Buenos Aires with Peru and Chile. The chapel served as a place of rest and prayer for travellers. However, after the death of Francisco de Merlo in 1758, the city fell into decline, which was exacerbated after the construction of the Marquez Bridge in 1773, which changed the route of the main trade path.

The resurgence of the city began in the mid-19th century with the arrival of the railway. In 1859, thanks to the efforts of Juan Dillon, the administrator of the lands through which the Western Railway line was to pass, the city was effectively rebuilt and began to expand rapidly around the new station. This event became a powerful catalyst for economic and demographic growth, transforming Merlo from an abandoned settlement into a lively suburb of Buenos Aires.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early stages, Merlo's economy was based on agriculture and serving travellers. Francisco de Merlo actively attracted settlers, offering them land for work. As early as 1749, a primary school was opened here, testifying to the founder's attention to community development. After its resurgence in the 19th century, the city began to develop as a railway hub and commercial centre. In the 20th century, Merlo continued to grow due to the influx of migrants from other provinces of Argentina, which formed its modern diverse appearance.

Key Milestones in the History of Merlo

• 1727 — Spanish landowner Francisco de Merlo builds a private chapel on his lands, which became the core of the future settlement.
• 28 August 1755 — King Ferdinand VI of Spain issues a decree permitting the foundation of a city under the name Villa San Antonio del Camino.
• 4 April 1758 — The city's founder, Francisco de Merlo, passes away, after which the settlement gradually falls into decline.
• 1773 — The construction of a new bridge over the Las Conchas River changes the trade route, leaving Merlo aside and accelerating its desolation.
• 1857 — Landowner Juan Dillon initiates the city's revival, developing a plan for its reconstruction and donating lands for the laying of the railway.
• 11 December 1859 — The Merlo railway station opens, providing a powerful impulse for a new stage of development and population growth.
• 1864 — The municipality (partido) of Merlo is officially created, separating from neighbouring Morón.
• 1960s — The city experiences significant demographic growth linked to the industrialisation of Greater Buenos Aires and the influx of internal migrants.
• 2009 — The National University of the West (Universidad Nacional del Oeste) opens in Merlo, cementing its status as an important educational centre in the region.

Stages of Merlo's Transformation

The history of Merlo is a journey from a modest settlement on the royal tract to a dynamic city within the Greater Buenos Aires agglomeration. Key transformations in its economic, cultural, and urban life have defined the modern appearance of the city.

• Foundation on the Royal Tract (1755). The city was founded by Francisco de Merlo under the name Villa San Antonio del Camino and initially developed as a rest stop for travellers on an important trade route. This stage laid the initial urban structure, the centre of which was the chapel.
• "Second Birth" thanks to the Railway (1859). After a period of decline, the decisive factor for revival was the construction of the Western Railway. The opening of the Merlo station shifted the city centre, giving a powerful boost to population growth, trade development, and the formation of a new urban layout around the railway line.
• Obtaining Municipality Status (1864). The creation of its own partido (municipality) was an important administrative step. This allowed Merlo to gain political and economic autonomy, laying the foundations for self-governance and planning further urban development.
• Industrial Growth and Demographic Explosion (1960s). In the mid-20th century, on the wave of industrialisation in Greater Buenos Aires, Merlo turned into a major industrial and residential suburb. A massive influx of internal migrants led to rapid population growth and the emergence of new working-class neighbourhoods, which radically changed the social and economic landscape of the city.
• Becoming an Educational Centre (2009). The opening of the National University of the West (Universidad Nacional del Oeste) became a crucial cultural and social milestone in recent history. The appearance of the university not only raised Merlo's prestige but also attracted youth to the city, stimulated the development of the service sector, and secured its status as an important educational hub in the western part of the agglomeration.

The architectural appearance of Merlo is not distinguished by the monumentality of great capitals, yet it authentically reflects the stages of its history: from a modest colonial post to a lively city in the Greater Buenos Aires agglomeration. Urban development here did not proceed according to a single plan but was formed under the influence of key events, such as the construction of the railway and demographic growth.

Colonial Period and Early Development (18th Century)

The city's foundation in 1755 fell during the era of Spanish colonial rule. Early architecture was simple, functional, and devoid of frills, which is characteristic of small settlements of that time. The main building material was local resources, and the principal structure was the chapel erected by the city's founder, Francisco de Merlo. Later, on its site, the parish church Nuestra Señora de la Merced (Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Merced) arose, which, however, was significantly rebuilt in 1864 according to the design of architect Pedro Benoit and today bears features of later eclecticism.

Railway Boom and Eclecticism (Second Half of the 19th Century)

Merlo's "second birth," associated with the laying of the railway in 1859, radically changed its appearance. The city centre shifted towards the railway station, around which new buildings began to be actively constructed. During this period, eclecticism with a strong influence of Italian architecture dominated in Argentina, which was linked to mass immigration from Europe. Old houses in the historical centre of Merlo still preserve features of this "Italianising style": rectangular forms, restrained facade decor, and cornices. The station itself, like many others in the country, was built with elements of British engineering architecture of that time.

Growth in the 20th Century and Functionalism

The demographic explosion of the mid-20th century required rapid and mass construction. The architecture of this period is predominantly utilitarian in character. The city was built up with one- and two-story brick houses typical of Buenos Aires suburbs, known in Argentina as "chalets", as well as low-rise apartment buildings. The main task was providing housing for the population, so aesthetics were given secondary attention, leading to the spread of a simple and functional style.

Modern Stage (Late 20th – Early 21st Century)

In recent decades, examples of modern architecture have appeared in Merlo. A striking example is the campus of the National University of the West (Universidad Nacional del Oeste), opened in 2009. Its buildings are executed in a modern style using concrete, glass, and metal, which contrasts with the historical buildings. Alongside this, the development of commercial and residential real estate continues, forming a new, more modern appearance of the city.

Distinguished Personalities Linked to Merlo

Throughout its history, the city of Merlo has become the birthplace or an important place in the lives of many notable figures in Argentine culture, sports, and public life. Here are just a few of them:

• Francisco de Merlo — The city's founder. A Spanish notary and landowner who received royal permission in 1755 to found a settlement, initially named Villa San Antonio del Camino. His efforts laid the foundation for the future city.
• Juan Dillon — A public figure and landowner, referred to as the "second founder" of Merlo. In the mid-19th century, he played a key role in the city's revival by donating land for the railway construction and developing a new urban plan, which gave a powerful impulse to development.
• Antonio Berni — One of the greatest Argentine artists of the 20th century, a representative of "New Realism". He lived and worked in Merlo for a long time, where many famous works were created in his studio, including collage series about the characters Juanito Laguna and Ramona Montiel.
• Marcelo Gallardo — A world-renowned footballer and one of the most titled coaches in the history of the River Plate club. He was born in Merlo on 18 January 1976 and is one of the city's most celebrated natives.
• Ricardo Iorio — An iconic musician, singer, and composer, considered the "father" of Argentine heavy metal. Founder of the legendary bands V8, Hermética, and Almafuerte, he spent a significant part of his life in Merlo, where he wrote many songs significant to the national rock scene.
• Néstor Ortigoza — A professional footballer born in Merlo. He gained fame as a key player for the clubs Argentinos Juniors and San Lorenzo, and also played for the Paraguay national team, participating in the 2010 World Cup.
• Leandro Romagnoli — A famous footballer, attacking midfielder, and idol of the San Lorenzo club. Although born in Buenos Aires, his childhood and youth were spent in Merlo, which he considers his hometown.
• Nicolás Kicker — A professional tennis player born and raised in Merlo. He represents his hometown in international competitions, ranking among the notable Argentine athletes of modern times.