Fernández, Salto facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fernández
Mataojo
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Populated centre
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 Fernández
Location in Uruguay
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| Country |  Uruguay |
| Department | Salto Department |
Fernández, also known as Mataojo, is a small community in the eastern part of the Salto Department. This department is located in northwestern Uruguay. It is a quiet place where people live and work.
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Geography of Fernández
Fernández is located near a small stream called Arroyo Mataojo Chico. This stream flows into the Arapey Grande River. The town is about 22 kilometers (about 14 miles) east-southeast of where these two waterways meet.
To the southwest of Fernández, another stream called Mataojo Grande flows. About 16 kilometers (10 miles) to the southeast, there is a hill also named Mataojo. These natural features help define the area around Fernández.
History of Mataojo
The area around Mataojo has an important place in the history of Uruguay. It was the site of a significant event involving the Charrúa people. The Charrúas were the native people of this region.
The Charrúa People and Bernabé Rivera
On August 17, 1831, a major historical event took place near Mataojo. It was one of the last big conflicts involving the Charrúa people. This event involved a group led by Bernabé Rivera, an important figure in early Uruguayan history.
Ramón Mataojo's Journey
In 1831, a young Charrúan warrior named Ramón Mataojo was captured near the Arroyo Mataojo Grande stream. He was about 18 to 20 years old. In January 1832, Ramón began a long journey across the Atlantic Ocean. He was sent to Paris, France, to be studied by the Academy of Sciences.
However, due to various issues, Ramón had to stay on the ship, L’Emulatión, for a long time. He sadly passed away in October of that year while still on board. Ramón Mataojo is remembered as the first Charrúan person to have traveled across the Atlantic Ocean. His journey highlights a unique part of the history between Uruguay and Europe.
Population of Fernández
According to the census taken in 2011, the population of Fernández was 305 people. This number helps us understand the size of this small community.
