La Fria history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the city of La Fria dates back to the mid-19th century. Unlike ancient colonial centres, this settlement was formed not so much by administrative decrees as by economic necessity. The accepted date of foundation is 1853, when the first settlers began to establish themselves in this area, named after the hacienda of the same name.

Key Development Factors

The transformation of a small settlement into an important urban centre in the western part of Venezuela was driven by several strategic reasons:

• Railway Hub: A decisive role in development was played by the construction of the Great Railway of Táchira (Gran Ferrocarril del Táchira). La Fria became one of the key stations connecting the mountainous Andean regions with the Lake Maracaibo zone.
• Geography and Logistics: Its location at the junction of the foothills and the plains made the city an ideal transit point. It was from here that goods were sent to the port of Encontrados for further export.
• Coffee Boom: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the city flourished as a transit hub for the export of coffee — the region's main export product at that time.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of the early period depended entirely on transport infrastructure and agriculture. Thanks to the hot and humid climate, cattle breeding and the cultivation of tropical crops developed actively here. The cultural appearance of the city was formed as a "melting pot": residents from high-altitude Andean villages and merchants from coastal zones flocked here, creating the unique atmosphere of a lively trading crossroads.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1853 — The conventional date of the settlement's foundation, when the first permanent residents began to settle on the lands of the hacienda of the same name.
• 1893 — The start of the large-scale project of the Great Railway of Táchira, designed to connect mountain areas with waterways.
• 1913 — Opening of the railway station in the city of La Fria, turning it into a key transport hub of the region.
• 1920s — A period of active economic growth associated with the transit of coffee and cocoa for export.
• 1926 — Completion of the bridge over the Grita River, which significantly improved land communication with neighbouring lands.
• 1955 — Commissioning of a section of the Pan-American Highway, integrating the city into the road network of Venezuela.
• 1957 — Final closure of the railway, unable to withstand competition with developing road transport.
• 1972 — Official creation of the Garcia de Hevia Municipality, with this city proclaimed as its capital.
• 1974 — Opening of the airport, ensuring regular air communication with Caracas and other major centres.
• 1990s — Formation and development of a large industrial zone, strengthening the city's status as an industrial centre of the state.
• 2000s — Modernisation of urban infrastructure and expansion of logistical capacities for trade.

Key Stages of Transformation

The history of the city of La Fria is a journey from a secluded agrarian area to an important logistical and industrial centre. Every major change in infrastructure opened up new opportunities for the economy of the region and Venezuela as a whole. Below are the main turning points that defined the modern appearance of the city.

• The Railway Era (End of the 19th Century). The construction of the Great Railway of Táchira became the foundation for the city's emergence. The appearance of the station turned the area into a strategic transit point for coffee exports, which attracted the first settlers and merchants.
• Construction of the Bridge over the Grita River (1926). This engineering structure was of critical importance for land logistics. The bridge ensured a reliable connection with the northern territories and allowed trade flows to continue uninterrupted even during the tropical rainy season.
• Integration into the Pan-American Highway (1950s). Connection to the continent's main road artery compensated for the closure of the railway. This event reoriented the economy towards road freight transport and stimulated the development of roadside services and the hospitality sector.
• Gaining Administrative Autonomy (1972). Obtaining the status of the municipality capital allowed the city to manage its budget independently. This gave a powerful impetus to street improvements, social sector development, and the formation of a proper urban environment.
• Opening of the Air Gate (1974). The launch of the airport made the city an important transport hub for passenger air travel. This simplified access for tourists and business people to the Andean region, significantly increasing the investment attractiveness of the area.
• Development of the Industrial Zone (1990s). The creation of a specialised territory for industry allowed for the diversification of the economy. The appearance of metalworking and food industry enterprises reduced dependence on the pure transit of goods.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Environment

Unlike many high-altitude cities in the region, La Fria does not possess a distinct colonial centre with tiled roofs and narrow cobbled streets. It is a relatively young city whose architectural appearance was formed under the influence of its function as the main transport and commercial hub of Táchira State. Urban planning here is subordinate to the logic of practicality, trade, and the hot tropical climate.

Construction Stages and Stylistic Features

The development of the urban environment can be roughly divided into two key stages that defined the appearance of the streets:

• The Railway Epoch (Late 19th — Early 20th Century): The initial layout of the city was formed around the railway station. Although few historical buildings from that period have survived, they set the linear structure of the streets. The architecture of this time was utilitarian, using wood and simple structures characteristic of border trading settlements.
• The Era of Highways and Modernism (From the 1950s): After the opening of the Pan-American Highway and the start of the oil boom in Venezuela, the city began to be built up with concrete and brick buildings. The predominant style became Latin American functionalism — simple geometric forms, flat roofs or canopies for protection from the sun and heavy rains, as well as wide commercial ground floors.

Landmarks and Urban Dominants

Despite the dominance of modern commercial development, there are several points of attraction in the city that form its visual image:

• Plaza Bolívar: The heart of the city and the main community centre. This is a green zone with shady trees, around which administrative and public life is concentrated. The architectural ensemble of the square is simple and modern, serving as an important resting place for residents.
• Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Iglesia Sagrado Corazón de Jesús): The main religious symbol of the city. The building is executed in a modern style, characterised by concise forms, which is typical for temples erected in the second half of the 20th century in developing cities of the region.
• Industrial Zone: An important part of the urban landscape. Large-scale warehouse complexes and industrial hangars on the outskirts emphasise the city's status as a logistics hub, adding elements of industrial aesthetics to its appearance.

Notable Personalities and Historical Figures

The city of La Fria, being a relatively young settlement, owes its development primarily to enterprising people, engineers, and regional heroes. The list of significant persons includes both historical figures whose names are immortalised in titles, and those who shaped the culture and economy of the region.

• Francisco Javier García de Hevia
  Hero of the struggle for independence, lawyer.
  Although he was born in the neighbouring city of La Grita, his name is inextricably linked with La Fria. The municipality, of which the city is the capital, is named in his honour, as is the local international airport. He symbolises the patriotic spirit of the region and the contribution of Táchira State to the independence championed by Venezuela.
• Benito Roncajolo
  Engineer and entrepreneur.
  A key figure in the history of the city's foundation. Roncajolo was the main promoter and builder of the "Great Railway of Táchira" (Gran Ferrocarril del Táchira). It was thanks to his project that the station was built here, around which the city grew, turning into a crucial trading hub.
• Antonio Basileo Molina
  Landowner, historical figure.
  In the late 18th century (1794), he purchased the lands on which the municipality is located today. His activities laid the foundations for the future settlement of this territory, which later transformed from wild forests into agricultural lands and city districts.
• Luis Orlando Soto
  City chronicler, historian.
  Known as the keeper of the city's memory. Thanks to his works, oral traditions, dates, and events related to the formation of La Fria were documented. His works help preserve the cultural identity of local residents.
• Eudo Durán
  Artist, painter.
  A contemporary figure in the arts, whose work reflects the colour and atmosphere of the tropical lowlands of Táchira State. He is one of the bright representatives of the city's cultural life, popularising local art.
• Pedro Antonio Ríos Reyna
  Musician, composer, cultural figure.
  An outstanding violinist and conductor, a native of Táchira State. In La Fria, one of the main lyceums (Liceo Nacional) bears his name, highlighting his role as a cultural reference point for local youth and the education system.