Trelew History

History

By Meggan Rau

Trelew is one of several towns in Patagonia settled by Welsh immigrants. In 1865, seeking freedom from English persecution in their native land, 165 Welsh settlers sailed to Patagonia. Upon landing, these early pioneers headed south in search of drinking water, and eventually established themselves in the valley of the Chubut River. Here, with help from the indigenous Tehuelche, these Patagonian Welsh developed an irrigation system, cultivated the land, and eventually became a thriving agricultural community.

The town of Trelew came as a result of the Welsh community’s need for a method to transport their agricultural products from the Chubut River to Puerto Madryn. In 1886, the Central of Chubut Railway was constructed to transport these goods, and Trelew, which served as the railway’s starting point, eventually became the center of communications and transportation for regional commerce in the area. Trelew, meaning “Lewis Town” in Welsh, is named for Lewis Jones, founder of the railway system and also considered founder of the town.