San Juan history

The history of San Juan, one of the oldest cities in Argentina, is inextricably linked to the era of Spanish colonisation, the natural features of the region, and its economic development. The city has experienced both periods of prosperity and devastating natural disasters that have radically changed its appearance.

Foundation and First Mentions

• The city was founded on 13 June 1562 by the Spanish conquistador Juan Jufré.
• The original name — San Juan de la Frontera — was given in honour of Saint John the Baptist.
• Initially, the settlement was located on the banks of the San Juan River; however, due to severe flooding in 1593, it had to be moved 2.5 kilometres south to higher ground.

Key Factors of Establishment

• Geographical Location: San Juan is situated in the fertile Tulum Valley at the foot of the Andes, which created favourable conditions for agriculture. Thanks to an extensive network of irrigation canals, the region transformed into a true "oasis city".
• Trade and Economy: From the early years, the main branch of the economy became viticulture and grape processing. The province of San Juan remains one of the key centres of agricultural production in Argentina today.
• Administrative Status: The city quickly became an important administrative centre of the Cuyo region, which in 1776 became part of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

• In the colonial period, the economy was focused on agriculture, which ensured relative stability.
• In the 18th century, a cathedral was built in the city, and in the 19th century, a theatre, testifying to its growing cultural significance.
• A key event that influenced the entire future history of the city was the devastating earthquake of 1944. It almost completely destroyed the colonial architecture, claiming thousands of lives. After this tragedy, San Juan was rebuilt from scratch, with wider streets and earthquake-resistant buildings, which formed its modern appearance.

Key Dates in the History of San Juan

• 13 June 1562 — Spanish conquistador Juan Jufré founds the city under the name San Juan de la Frontera.
• 1593 — A devastating flood forces the city to be moved 2.5 kilometres south of its original location.
• 1776 — The Cuyo region, including San Juan, becomes part of the newly formed Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata.
• 15 February 1811 — Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, the future President of Argentina and a prominent educator, is born in San Juan.
• 1820 — San Juan proclaims its autonomy, which becomes the first step towards creating a separate province.
• 1885 — The railway arrives in the city, radically accelerating economic development and the trade of agricultural products.
• 15 January 1944 — A catastrophic earthquake occurs, which almost completely destroys the city and claims thousands of lives.
• 1950s — A large-scale reconstruction of San Juan begins under a new urban plan with wide streets and seismic-resistant buildings.
• 1977 — A new strong earthquake with its epicentre in the neighbouring department of Caucete once again causes damage to the region.
• 1979 — The new Cathedral opens, built on the site of the one destroyed by the earthquake, becoming one of the modern symbols of the city.

Major Milestones in the City's Development

The history of San Juan is a journey from a colonial agrarian centre to a modern city, the appearance and economy of which were radically transformed by both natural cataclysms and technological progress. The key stages of its development reflect resilience and the capacity for rebirth.

• Foundation and Agrarian Specialisation (16th–18th centuries): Since its foundation in 1562, the city's economy was closely linked to agriculture. The favourable climate and the irrigation system created in the Tulum Valley made the region one of the main centres of grape cultivation in Argentina, which determined its economic vector for many years.
• Arrival of the Railway (1885): The advent of rail transport provided a powerful impetus for economic growth. It connected San Juan with the port of Buenos Aires and other regions of the country, significantly simplifying the export of local produce and strengthening the province's status as a leading agrarian centre.
• The 1944 Earthquake: This tragedy became the most significant milestone in the city's modern history. The earthquake almost completely destroyed the colonial buildings, claiming thousands of lives. This event served as a starting point for a complete rethinking of urban planning principles.
• Large-Scale Reconstruction (1950s): After the earthquake, a new master plan was developed and implemented. The city was rebuilt with wide avenues, public spaces, and, most importantly, earthquake-resistant buildings. This reconstruction formed the modern, rational, and safe appearance of San Juan.
• Cultural and Scientific Revival (Second half of the 20th century): Along with urban renewal, the city experienced a cultural rise. Landmark facilities were built, such as the modern Cathedral (1979), the Juan Victoria Auditorium, which became one of the best concert halls in Latin America, and the Félix Aguilar Observatory, highlighting the scientific potential of the region.
• Modernisation of Production (Late 20th – Early 21st centuries): The agricultural processing industry moved to a new level. Local producers began to introduce modern technologies, allowing them to enter the international market and compete with global brands by producing high-quality goods rather than just mass products.

The architectural appearance of San Juan is a unique example of how a tragic event can completely redefine urban development. The modern city is the direct result of large-scale reconstruction following the devastating earthquake of 1944, which destroyed practically all colonial buildings.

Before the Earthquake: The Colonial Period

Until the mid-20th century, the architecture of San Juan was typical of Spanish colonial cities in arid regions. It was characterised by:

• Narrow streets and construction using unbaked brick (adobe).
• Low-rise houses with internal courtyards (patios) that provided protection from the heat.
• Elements of Spanish Baroque and later Classicism, which could be seen mainly in religious buildings and some public structures, such as the old Cathedral and the theatre, which have not survived to this day.

After 1944: The Era of Modernism and Seismic Resistance

The 1944 earthquake became the starting point for creating a new city "from scratch". The reconstruction plan was based on principles of Modernism and Rationalism, where the safety of residents became the main priority.

• Urban Planning: A new grid of wide streets and avenues was created, and spacious squares and green zones appeared, ensuring open spaces for evacuation if necessary.
• Architectural Style: Colonial forms were replaced by Rationalism and Brutalism. Buildings began to be designed with clear geometric lines, using reinforced concrete and other durable materials capable of withstanding seismic activity.
• Landmark Buildings: The modern look of the city is defined by buildings constructed in the second half of the 20th century. The brightest example is the new Cathedral of San Juan (1979), designed by architect Daniel Ramos Correas in the Brutalist style. Other important objects include the Juan Victoria Auditorium, known for its outstanding acoustics, and the Franklin Rawson Museum of Fine Arts, also executed in a modernist key.

Today, San Juan is essentially an open-air museum of mid-20th-century urban planning thought. Its architecture does not amaze with an abundance of historical styles, but it tells a unique story of rebirth, resilience, and the priority of safety over ornamentation.

Distinguished Figures of San Juan

The city of San Juan is the birthplace and place of activity for many prominent Argentines, whose contributions have had a significant impact on the country's politics, culture, and science.

Domingo Faustino Sarmiento (1811–1888)

• Role: President of Argentina, writer, educator, journalist.
• Significance: The most famous native of San Juan and one of the key figures in Argentine history. Sarmiento reformed the public education system, making it compulsory and accessible. While serving as Governor of San Juan province, he initiated the construction of schools and roads and the development of the mining industry. His literary legacy, especially the book "Facundo", is a classic of Latin American literature.

Francisco Narciso de Laprida (1786–1829)

• Role: Lawyer and politician.
• Significance: A historical figure of national scale. Laprida presided over the Congress of Tucumán on that historic day, 9 July 1816, when the independence of Argentina was proclaimed. He actively participated in organising the famous Army of the Andes under the command of General San Martín.

Guillermo Rawson (1821–1890)

• Role: Physician, hygienist, and politician.
• Significance: An outstanding statesman who served as Minister of the Interior in the government of President Bartolomé Mitre. He is the founder of the Argentine Red Cross (1880). Rawson made a huge contribution to the development of medicine and public hygiene in the country.

Franklin Rawson (1820–1871)

• Role: Painter.
• Significance: One of the first major Argentine artists of the 19th century and the brother of Guillermo Rawson. He is considered an outstanding portraitist of his time. His friendship with Sarmiento and his political beliefs forced him to spend several years in exile in Chile, where he continued his artistic education. Today, the main art museum of San Juan bears his name.

Alfonsina Storni (1892–1938)

• Role: Poet, journalist.
• Significance: Although Storni was born in Switzerland, she spent her early childhood (from 1896 to 1901) in San Juan, which she considered her second homeland. This period influenced her work. Alfonsina Storni became one of the most significant and influential poets in 20th-century Latin American literature, known for her works on feminist themes.

Leopoldo Bravo (1919–2006)

• Role: Politician and diplomat.
• Significance: An influential figure in the political life of San Juan and Argentina in the 20th century. He was elected Governor of San Juan province three times and served as a senator and ambassador of Argentina to the Soviet Union and other countries. His name is firmly associated with the political history of the region over several decades.

Ricardo Zunino (born 1949)

• Role: Racing driver.
• Significance: The only native of San Juan to compete in the Formula 1 World Championship. He raced from 1979 to 1981 for teams such as Brabham and Tyrrell, becoming a notable figure in Argentine motorsport.