Pilar, Buenos Aires facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pilar
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Nuestra Señora del Pilar
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 Pilar, Buenos Aires
Location in Greater Buenos Aires
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| Country |  Argentina |
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| Province |  Buenos Aires |
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| Partido | Pilar | ||
| Elevation | 18 m (59 ft) | ||
| Population
(2010 census [INDEC])
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| • Urban | 296,826 | ||
| CPA Base |
B 1629
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| Area code(s) | +54 2322 | ||
| Website | www.pilar.gov.ar | ||
Pilar is a city in the Buenos Aires province of Argentina. It is home to about 299,000 people. Pilar is part of the larger Greater Buenos Aires area. It is also the main town of the Pilar Partido, which is like a county. Since the 1990s, Pilar has become a popular place for fancy communities and polo fields.
Contents
History of Pilar
Pilar started as a small rural area. In 1774, Ventura López Camelo became its first alcalde, or mayor. This was the start of local government in Pilar.
The Treaty of Pilar
Pilar is famous for where the Treaty of Pilar was signed. This happened on February 23, 1820. This treaty helped create the idea of federalism in Argentina. Federalism means that different parts of a country have their own governments, but they are also part of a larger national government. Because of this, Pilar is known as the "Cradle of National Federalism." This treaty also ended a war between the provinces of Entre Ríos and Santa Fe against Buenos Aires.
Growth of the City
The main church, called the Parish of Our Lady of the Pillar, was built in 1856. The county of Pilar was officially created in 1864. Tomás Márquez was its first mayor.
In 1886, a railway line reached Pilar. By 1895, nearly 10,000 people lived there. When National Route 8 opened in 1934, it made it easier to travel the 58 kilometers (about 36 miles) to Buenos Aires. This helped Pilar grow into a town where many people lived and traveled from for work.
Pilar grew even more after a freeway was built in the late 1960s. In 1970, the Parque Industrial Pilar (Pilar Industrial Park) was created. This park became one of the biggest in South America. It is home to about 200 companies from Argentina and other countries.
Pilar's Upscale Profile
Starting in the late 1800s, the first polo fields were built in Pilar. Later, in 1948, several country clubs were developed. In the 1990s, many gated communities were built. These developments made Pilar a more upscale and popular place to live.
Celebrations in Pilar
Treaty of Pilar Celebration
This celebration happens on February 23. It marks the day the peace agreement was signed in 1820. This agreement was between Manuel de Sarratea (Governor of Buenos Aires), Estanislao López (Governor of Santa Fe), and Francisco Ramírez (Governor of Entre Ríos). The treaty set up the federal system of government that Argentina uses today. Pilar celebrates this historic event with special ceremonies, talks, and art shows.
Our Lady of the Pilar Feast
Every year on October 12, the people of Pilar celebrate their patron saint, the Virgin of Pilar. This day remembers when, in 1729, a local person put an image of the Virgin in a small church on their land for everyone to see. Besides church services and a large procession with the Virgin's image, the city also holds a parade. This parade includes local groups, schools, and traditional dance groups.
Things to See in Pilar
Pilar has many interesting places to visit:
- October 12 Square: This square was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1942. It is the center of the city's design. The square has many Ginkgo biloba trees that were planted between 1958 and 1962.
- Treaty of Pilar Site: This is where the famous Treaty of Pilar was signed on February 23, 1820. This treaty helped create Argentina's federal government system. It also ended a war between the provinces of Entre Ríos and Santa Fe against Buenos Aires.
- Municipal Palace: This building is the City Hall. Its first stone was laid in 1896. It used to have four jail cells.
- Our Lady of the Pilar Church: This church started as a simple building in 1821. It was finished in 1856. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1994.
- Mayor Lorenzo López Historical Museum: This museum keeps and shows historical and religious items from Pilar. You can see objects related to the signing of the Treaty of Pilar here.
- Cross of Pilar: This cross is at the corner of Pedro Lagrave and Paraná streets. Some believe it was placed in 1790 by Spanish missionaries. Others say it was a guidepost when the town moved to its current spot. The first church service in Pilar was held here.
- The Site of the Miracle: This place is where the miracle of the Virgin of Luján is said to have happened in 1630. There is a small altar with the Virgin's image and an old chapel. This site is also a National Historic Landmark.
- Pilar Nature Reserve: This reserve was created in 2003. It covers about 297 hectares (734 acres) along the Luján River. It has lagoons and is home to many plants and animals. You can find trees like roman cassie and Jerusalem thorn, and plants like tule and waxyleaf nightshade. Animals like weasels, rabbits, nutria, skunks, amphibians, reptiles, and over 60 types of birds live here.
- Polo and Golf: Pilar is known as the National Capital of Polo in Argentina. The Argentina Polo Association is located in the Pando-Carabassa Castle, built in the late 1800s. This area has nine polo fields and hosts the country's most important polo tournaments. Pilar also has several golf clubs, including Highland Park Country Club, Golfer's Country Club, Pilar Golf Club, and Estancias Golf Club.
See also
In Spanish: Pilar (Buenos Aires) para niños
