Libertador San Martin

Libertador San Martín is a municipality distributed between the Costa Grande and Palmar districts of the Diamante department in the province of Entre Ríos, Argentine Republic. The municipality includes the town of the same name and a rural area. Libertador San Martín has joined and currently includes the former town of Puiggari. It is located in the southwest of the province, between the cities of Crespo and Diamante on National Route 131.

It has been nicknamed the "Hope Hill", due to the Biblical faith that predominates in much of its community.^{[citation required]} Also until 1950 it was known as Puiggari, for being the name of the nearest train station. The town achieved municipal status in 1971.

Population

According to the 2010 census, the city had 6,545 residents (2,998 men and 3,547 women), but its population increases during the school year, due to the presence of the Universidad Adventista del Plata, which has more than 600 students in boarding schools, for a global total of 3,400. This institution has the presence of nearly 800 foreign students, with more than 50 countries represented. In addition to the entire province, they visit the Sanatorio Adventista del Plata, a health center with national and international prestige, and the Centro Adventista de Vida Sana.

Name

Due to the landscapes of the rural region of Libertador San Martín -streams, hills, groves and crops- the first settlers proposed naming the place Bella Vista, due to the panoramic view offered by its prominent hill, from where you can see -preferably at night- the two closest towns: Diamante and Crespo.

On September 26, 1898, a hundred residents met and decided to establish the school, one of them donating 17 hectares where the building of the Plata Adventist University was later built. That day is taken as the founding day of the town.

The place was first called "Aldea Camarero" and from 1925 with the advent of the railway it received the name of Puiggari, its nearest station, which many still use.

In 1950 -during the centenary of the death of José de San Martín and the celebration of the San Martin year- several residents began procedures in the government to give the town the name of Villa Libertador San Martín.

By the time it reached its golden anniversary, the town was growing rapidly. Both because many wanted to educate their children at school, as well as recover their health, with the sanatorium and its healthy living center. For this reason, it especially became a favorite place for the elderly. Which raised the level of the population and the word "Villa" was removed from its name.

Twinning

• Loma Linda, California, United States