Tame history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the city of Tame is deeply rooted in the colonial era. The official date of its foundation is considered to be June 12, 1628. The settlement was established by the Spanish captain Alonso Pérez de Guzmán, acting under the orders of the governor. Initially, the city was created as a strategic point for exploring the eastern territories of modern-day Colombia and interacting with the indigenous population of the region.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a small settlement into an important regional centre was driven by several reasons:

• Unique Geography: The city is located in the foothills of the Eastern Cordillera, on the border with the vast plains (Llanos). This location made it a natural corridor between the mountain regions and the savannah.
• Trade Routes: Thanks to its convenient location, routes for the exchange of goods, salt, and livestock passed through the settlement, which contributed to economic growth.
• Missionary Activity: Jesuit missions played an important role in development, organising community life and teaching local residents new crafts.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of the early period was based on agriculture and nascent cattle ranching. It was here that the traditions of the *Llanero*—a culture of free herdsmen and horsemen, which became the hallmark of the region—began to form.

The cultural environment was formed from a mixture of Spanish customs and the traditions of the indigenous Girara (Jirara) people, who inhabited these lands before the arrival of Europeans. This interaction defined the unique ethnographic character of the city, preserved in local folklore and gastronomy.

Major Historical Milestones

• June 12, 1628 — Official foundation of the settlement by Spanish captain Alonso Pérez de Guzmán, marking the beginning of the history of the city of Tame.
• 17th Century — Active development of Jesuit missions, which organised local communities and laid the foundations for livestock farming.
• 1767 — After the expulsion of the Jesuits, the administration of the settlement passes to other religious orders and the civil administration.
• Late 18th Century — Formation of the unique *Llanero* culture, combining Spanish traditions with the customs of indigenous peoples.
• June 12, 1819 — The landmark meeting of Simón Bolívar and Francisco de Paula Santander, where the plan for the liberation campaign was devised.
• June 1819 — The city becomes a strategic headquarters from where the Patriot army began its famous crossing of the Andes.
• 1821 — After gaining independence, the region integrates into the political structure of the new republic of Colombia.
• 1925 — Tame receives official municipality status, which facilitates the creation of local governing bodies.
• Mid-20th Century — Construction of new roads connects the city with the centre of the Arauca department and the country's interior regions.
• 1970s — Development of commercial infrastructure and population growth due to migration from rural areas.
• 1991 — Adoption of the country's new constitution strengthens the rights of indigenous communities living within the municipality.
• Early 21st Century — Intensification of efforts to preserve the biodiversity of the foothills and the development of ecological tourism.
• Present Time — The city positions itself as the "Cradle of Freedom," attracting tourists annually to cultural festivals and historical routes.

Stages of Formation and Development

The history of the city of Tame is a journey from a small settlement on the edge of the savannah to an important agro-industrial and cultural centre. Key development milestones have defined its modern economic and urban appearance:

• Strategic Trade Hub (Colonial Era): Due to its location at the junction of the Andes and the Orinoquía plains, the settlement became a crucial point for the exchange of goods. This laid the economic foundation of the city as a transit point and a centre for the trade of salt and livestock.
• Status of "Cradle of Freedom" (1819): Its role as the headquarters of the liberation campaign forever secured the city's title as a historical monument of national importance. This heritage became the basis for the development of cultural tourism, attracting travellers to sites of military glory in Colombia.
• Administrative Autonomy (1925): The official granting of municipality status launched systematic urban planning. The emergence of local authorities allowed for improved street layouts and the creation of public infrastructure.
• Road Integration (Second half of the 20th Century): The construction of key highways connecting the region with the centre of the country and the city of Arauca took the economy to a new level. Improved logistics turned the city into an important transport hub.
• Agrarian Specialisation: The introduction of new farming and cattle breeding methods secured the municipality's status as an "agricultural pantry." The cultivation of cocoa, plantains, and livestock breeding became the main drivers of the local economy.
• Cultural Institutionalisation: The establishment of large-scale events, such as the "El Girara de Oro" festival, contributed to the preservation of unique *Llanero* traditions and the development of the city's service sector for hosting guests.
• Ecological Turn (21st Century): The realisation of the value of the foothills' natural resources led to the development of eco-tourism. Proximity to national parks stimulates the creation of hotels and tourist routes, diversifying the city's income.

Urban Structure and Development

The architectural appearance of Tame was formed under the influence of its strategic position at the junction of the Andes and the Orinoquía plains. The city's urban structure is based on the classic Spanish colonial scheme (*damero*), where streets intersect at right angles, forming blocks around a main square. Initially developing as a missionary settlement, the city has preserved this centric layout, which today serves as the basis for the administrative and commercial centre.

Architectural Styles and Eras

A mix of several stylistic directions can be traced in the city's construction, reflecting different stages of its history:

• Colonial Style (Adapted): Although many original buildings from the 17th–18th centuries have not survived, their influence is noticeable in traditional single-storey houses with internal courtyards (patios) and tiled roofs. These buildings are adapted to the hot climate of the savannah thanks to high ceilings and a cross-ventilation system.
• Vernacular Llanos Style: Characteristic local architecture using available materials (wood, clay) and open terraces designed for relaxing in hammocks, which is an integral part of *Llanero* culture.
• Modernism and Functionalism (20th–21st Centuries): With the growth of the city in the second half of the 20th century, modern administrative and residential buildings made of concrete and brick appeared. This style is distinguished by simplicity of form and pragmatism, dominating in new districts and public institutions.

Iconic Buildings and Public Spaces

Key objects forming the visual image of the city are closely linked to its historical role as the "Cradle of Freedom":

• General Santander Park (Parque General Santander): The main public space and historical heart of the city. It was here that key events of the independence campaign took place. The park is surrounded by important administrative buildings and serves as a venue for cultural events.
• Church of Our Lady of the Assumption (Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción): The main religious symbol of the municipality. The modern temple building, constructed on the site of the historical church, is distinguished by concise architecture and massive doors. The old parish church (or priest's house) holds colossal historical significance as the meeting place of Bolívar and Santander.
• Monument to the Meeting (Monumento al Encuentro): A sculptural composition immortalising the union of the two liberators is an important architectural and artistic landmark, highlighting the city's status in the country's history.

Distinguished Figures Associated with the City

The history of the city is inextricably linked with the names of great commanders, heroes of independence, and cultural figures who left their mark on the annals of the region and the entire country.

• Alonso Pérez de Guzmán — Spanish captain and founder of the city. In 1628, he established the settlement, which became an important strategic point on the border of the mountains and plains, determining the further development of this territory.
• Inocencio Chincá — Sergeant of the liberation army and a national hero. A native of Tame, he became famous for his exceptional bravery in the Battle of Pantano de Vargas, where he died defending the independence of Colombia.
• Simón Bolívar — The Liberator and political leader of Latin America. In 1819, he arrived in the city to join forces with Santander's army. This event became the starting point of the legendary crossing of the Andes.
• Francisco de Paula Santander — General and statesman, known as the "Man of Laws." It was here that he formed and trained the Llanos army, turning scattered detachments into a disciplined force ready for decisive battles.
• Miguel Ángel Martín — Outstanding composer, musician, and folklorist. Born in this city, he became one of the key figures of *Llanero* culture, gifting the world the famous song "Carmentea" and contributing to the preservation of the region's musical traditions.
• Fray Ignacio Mariño — Dominican priest and colonel of the Patriot army. He played an important role in the spiritual and military mobilisation of the plains' population, actively participating in the fight for freedom from the Spanish crown.