History

Angostura wooden statue

Fact Types:
History of villa la angostura

By Shanie Matthews

Originally inhabited by the Mapuche Indian tribe, the area was infiltrated by Jesuits in the early 19th Century. By 1902, though isolated because of the surrounding mountains and lakes, the Argentine government created a small settlement to help protect national borders. In 1903, the Italian pioneer Primo Capraro helped with colonization by building a sawmill and the first major hotel, Hotel Correntoso. By April, 1928, word had spread that the area was prime for logging, farming and animal grazing. General of War, Agustín P. Justo, visited the area and pushed for a telegraphic means of communication for the European settlers. The line was finally finished on October 12th, 1932. The Argentine government began to push town growth by offering land deals, hoping to create a more defined border with Chile. In 1934, the Nahuel Huapi National Park was created, further increasing tourism. The township was nationally and regionally recognized in 1948.