Lomas de Zamora: A Journey Through History, Industry, and Urban Growth
Lomas de Zamora is a vibrant city within the Greater Buenos Aires area, blending a rich colonial heritage with a dynamic industrial spirit. From its origins as rural farmland to its evolution into a modern urban center, the city reflects the diverse cultural influences and economic shifts that have shaped the region of Argentina.
The Origins and Cultural Evolution
The city takes its name from Juan de Zamora, a Creole of Sevillian roots who owned the land in 1736. While its roots are Spanish, the city's demographic landscape shifted significantly toward the end of 1860. During this period, a large number of British immigrants—including English, Scottish, and Irish settlers—moved to the area. These settlers arrived primarily as employees of the Buenos Aires Great Southern Railway, leaving a lasting mark on the local culture.
This British influence is further evidenced by the establishment of St. Alban's College, an English educational institution founded around 1920.
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Economic Development and Industry
Originally, the region was dominated by agriculture, supporting poultry farms as well as livestock, grain, and fruit production. Over time, this agricultural foundation evolved into a diverse industrial hub. Today, the city hosts a wide array of processing and manufacturing plants, including:
- Meat packing and fruit/grain processing
- Saw milling and dairy product manufacturing
- Chemicals, paper, and rubber products
- Plastics and leather goods
Civic Landmarks and Education
Lomas de Zamora is home to several prestigious institutions and cultural sites. The Universidad de Lomas de Zamora (UNLZ) stands as one of the most significant universities in the Greater Buenos Aires region. Other notable landmarks include the traditional Lomas Athletic Club, an art museum, and an agricultural school.
The city's administrative history is equally notable. Founded in 1864 as Ciudad de La Paz, it was renamed Lomas de Zamora in 1910. The city's Art Deco city hall, a striking architectural piece, was inaugurated in 1938.
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Sports and Political Influence
Football is a cornerstone of local identity, centered around the team Los Andes. Known as the "Mil rayitas" (The thousand stripes) due to the unique design of their official jersey, the team currently competes in Argentina's National B Division, drawing thousands of passionate fans to their home matches.
The city has also been a springboard for national political figures. Eduardo Duhalde, a member of the Justicialist Party, served as mayor starting in 1983. His political trajectory led him to become Vice President of Argentina in 1989, Governor of Buenos Aires Province in 1991, and interim President of Argentina from 2002 to 2003. He later ran for the presidency in 2011.
Urban Expansion and the Real Estate Boom
Following the 2001 Argentine crisis, Lomas de Zamora experienced a massive real estate surge. This growth was most prominent along Colombres Street, south of the downtown area, leading to the creation of an upscale district known as Las Lomitas. By 2011, nearly 200 new residential high-rises had been completed in this sector.
However, not all developments were successful. A planned 26-story, four-star Howard Johnson's hotel—intended to be the first of its kind in the southern belt of Greater Buenos Aires—was slated for 2013. The project was abandoned in 2015 after the investor, Finarg, went bankrupt. In October 2018, two local businessmen were detained regarding alleged irregularities in the hotel's planning.
Key Facts
- Original Name: Founded as Ciudad de La Paz in 1864; renamed Lomas de Zamora in 1910.
- British Influence: Significant settlement of English, Scottish, and Irish railway workers around 1860.
- Education: Home to the Universidad de Lomas de Zamora (UNLZ) and St. Alban's College.
- Sports: Los Andes football team is nicknamed "Mil rayitas."
- Urban Growth: The Las Lomitas district saw nearly 200 high-rises by 2011.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder/Namesake | Juan de Zamora (1736) |
| Key Industries | Meat packing, chemicals, plastics, leather, and dairy |
| Major University | Universidad de Lomas de Zamora (UNLZ) |
| Upscale District | Las Lomitas |
| City Hall Style | Art Deco (Inaugurated 1938) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the city called Lomas de Zamora?
The city is named after Juan de Zamora, a Creole with roots in Seville who owned the lands in 1736.
What is the significance of the "Mil rayitas" nickname?
This is the nickname for the local football team, Los Andes, referring to the "thousand stripes" found on the design of their official jersey.
What is Las Lomitas?
Las Lomitas is an upscale district located south of downtown along Colombres Street, which grew rapidly during a real estate boom following the 2001 crisis.
What happened to the Howard Johnson's hotel project?
The project was abandoned in 2015 after the investor, Finarg, went bankrupt, and it later became the subject of a legal investigation into planning irregularities in 2018.
Who is Eduardo Duhalde?
Eduardo Duhalde is a prominent Justicialist Party figure who served as the mayor of Lomas de Zamora, Governor of Buenos Aires, Vice President, and interim President of Argentina.