Tartagal

Tartagal is a tropical city in northern Argentina, in the province of Salta. It is located in the northeast of the province, in the General José de San Martín Department, of which it is the head. It is located in the Yungas jungle, at the foot of the sub-Andean mountains to the west and the plains of the Chaco of Salta to the east. This location endows it with a great variety of flora and fauna, and its territory is home to eight ethnic groups of original communities. The wide density of large trees in its streets and squares stands out, such as mangoes, carob trees and lapachos. It is one of the few places in the world where the Military Macaw is not extinct in the wild.

Due to its economy, it is the third most important city in the province, after Oran. It stands out as a center of oil and gas extraction, and also has strong activity in the logging and agricultural sectors.

It is located 365 km from the provincial capital, Salta, 57 km from the border with Bolivia (which is why it is considered a border city), 103 km from the border with Paraguay, and 1,736 km from Buenos Aires. Tartagal is connected to the rest of the province and the country through National Route 34, National Route 86 and through the General Mosconi airport, although the latter does not currently receive commercial flights.

Tartagal houses a regional headquarters of the National University of Salta and the Catholic University of Salta. It also has learning centers from the Siglo 21 and Blas Pascal universities.

Toponymy

The town adopts the name of Tartagal due to the large number of spurge plants found in the area with whose seeds castor oil is produced.

A tatago leaf, a plant that gives the name to the city. He is represented on his shield.

History

A town without a foundation

There was no formal founding date for Tartagal. This place was born as a town, according to the first records, in the middle of the XIX century, being mentioned in official documents with the designation & #34;El Tartagal" for the first time in 1858. Previously it was called by the natives of the area with the name Ñancahuasu (Guarani word meaning "big ravine"). At this time the limits were not defined. According to Bolivian authors, it belonged to this sovereignty and figured as an integral part of the province of Salinas, department of Tarija; but mentions are also found in Argentine bibliography, standing out as belonging to the province of Salta. The limits were established by agreements in 1889 and officially only until the beginning of the 20th century.

In 1954 the municipality was interested in investigating and determining a foundation date. The then municipal comptroller Severo Gorgino Cáceres Cano entrusted Julio Andrés Ferreyra, an ethnographic and historical research fan, to investigate this information. The historian concluded his work indicating the foundation of Tartagal on June 13, 1924, coinciding with the day of San Antonio, patron saint of the city. Historical support was never presented in the research and the criteria of the historian are unknown. Despite the numerous mentions of Tartagal in the literature of the late XIX century, said much later date was also set by the controller by municipal resolution. To this day it incorrectly remains as a reference for anniversary celebrations.

Map of Salta and Jujuy of 1866 where the town of Tartagal, already existing at that time, is observed in the upper right corner. Enlarge.

The Franciscan Missions

With the objective of evangelizing the original populations, in July 1860 the Franciscan Fathers of the Colegio de Propaganda Fide de Tarija founded the Mission of Tartagal, which was located in the southwestern sector of the current city. This mission suffered a fire on November 1, 1891, so it did not fulfill its mission and was abandoned.

Years later, along the rail road that ran at the foot of the mountain foothills, the old settlers of the now-defunct mission began to settle, plus others from the neighboring country. This is how the first population of the village was constituted, precarious houses of adobe and mud.

The Franciscan presence continued with the founding in 1924 by Father Gabriel Tommasini of the Franciscan Missionary Center in the nascent town of Tartagal, which years later became the headquarters of all the missions in the far north of the province of jump. In 1942 the Mission of La Loma was founded on the outskirts of Tartagal, in the current neighborhood of the same name. In 1945, the construction of the San Francisco Solano Chapel, headquarters of said mission, was completed, becoming one of the emblematic historical buildings of the city.

Scientific and military expeditions to define the limits

At the end of the XIX century, the Argentine Republic already had most of its boundaries defined. There were still some inhospitable areas over which there was no control. Tartagal was one of them, which despite its difficult access was of interest due to its connection with Bolivia for trade. Therefore, the Argentine Army undertakes the Conquest of Chaco, with which the National State dominates the original inhabitants and extends its authority in the area, which becomes part of the province of Salta.

The expeditions to the Chaco were accompanied by a group of scientists whose mission was the recognition of the geographical, geological, climatic conditions and especially the flora and fauna. One of them was the doctor of natural sciences of Spanish origin Leopoldo Arnaud, who described with interesting details in his chronicle published in 1889 "From Timbó to Tartagal: impressions of a trip through the Gran Chaco" how was the wild life in this place. He mentions the difficulty in accessing the area, the already declining Franciscan mission, and the small trade in sugar cane, brandy, vegetables and "household products"; where both Creoles and Matacos and Chiriguanos aborigines worked. He mentions the existence of adobe houses in poor condition, indigenous ranches and a store that supplied at very high prices. He cites several natural resources such as tree species and large tracts of land suitable for agriculture and livestock, explaining that they were not used correctly. He even recorded oil springs, which is why he is considered the first discoverer of this resource in Tartagal.

By direct agreements in 1889, Tarija and its adjacent areas up to Yacuiba continued under Bolivian sovereignty. With some conflicts between the inhabitants, the limit was set at the 22nd parallel south to the Pilcomayo River, becoming part of the Argentine Republic the towns south of the Quebrada de Pocitos, including Tartagal. On July 9, 1925, the definitive boundary treaty between the two countries was signed.

Methods of communication

Later, the railways were extended, bringing hundreds of workers to the town, who would end up establishing residence there and beginning a gradual urban development. At the end of the year 1923, the rails reached the banks of the Tartagal River, facilitating transportation and communications. In the first months of 1923, the journey of the ballast train began in which the transport of passengers and cargo to the river was authorized. Tartagal. Shortly after, while the preliminary works for the structuring of the metal bridge began, the Station was built, which was not enabled until December 22, 1927. It was baptized with the name of Manuela Pedraza. The origin of the name is uncertain, although there is a version based on the historical research of Alejandro Pojasi. This version indicates that between the years 1895 and 1920, a generous and hospitable woman with that name lived on the banks of the Tartagal River, who gave shelter and food to travelers who crossed the area.

Oil, fuel for the economy of the people

At the end of the 19th century it was discovered that oil springs were gushing out of the ground in Las Lomitas, a few kilometers from the Tartagalense farmhouse. However, it was downplayed because it was considered a small quantity. It was not until the beginning of the XX century that, with the arrival of foreign companies, important oil deposits began to be exploited. The basin represents 25% of the country's total production and about 16% of total gas production.

Simultaneously with the arrival of tracks and sleepers, the city received a strong migratory current from Bolivia, due to the installation in the area of the offices of the Standard Oil Company, later known by the name of ESSO, a company attracted by the discovery of oil basins and extraction of hydrocarbons.

The national company Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales (YPF), founded by President Hipólito Yrigoyen in the 1920s and strongly valued during the governments of Juan Domingo Perón between the 40s and 50s, was gradually displacing Standard Oil, both in terms of production and in terms of social impact, since it ensured work, security in the pension aspect, education for the workers' children and dozens of benefits that dignified the lives of the workers, without count the commercial flow that had a positive impact on the area.

In 1992, President Carlos Menem decided to privatize the exploration, extraction and export of oil and gas, which thus passed mainly into the hands of the Spanish company Repsol. The privatization had a negative impact on the city: 90% of the former workers of the state YPF were dismissed, which caused the emigration of thousands of people from the city. In 1999 and in 2002-2003 the city was the scene of serious and violent social conflicts as a result of unemployment.

Natural disasters

At the beginning of 2006, a flood in the Tartagal river caused significant damage, and on February 9, 2009, the situation was repeated, causing at least 2 deaths, and serious damage to the city's infrastructure.

Tourism

The city has a constantly expanding tourist offer. One of the main attractions are the captivating natural landscapes of the Yungas jungle, where visitors can do adventure tourism activities such as trekking, kayaking, mountain biking and hiking. Also, you can find rural community tourism offers, where travelers get to know and delve into the history, culture and ways of life of some native communities. Guided activities such as sugar cane grinding and ceremonial mask painting are carried out. Also, tasting of typical dishes such as humitas, tamales and corn nickname; with natural juices of tropical fruits such as mango and passion fruit.

Tartagal has renowned enduro and cycling events; the Sun's Race and the San Antonio Classic, which attract thousands of competitors and tourists annually.

The hotel offer is varied, ranging from family accommodation to 4-star hotels. Gastronomy has a central pole around the main square, with options such as regional restaurants, cafes, bars, beer gardens and pubs.

The best time to visit is from March to November, as the rainy days decrease considerably and the high temperatures of summer are avoided. It is advisable to stay hydrated and always use sunscreen, a hat and insect repellent. The latter are usually abundant, especially in rural areas.

Main points of interest

• St. Martin Square. Located in the center of Tartagal, it is home to occasional shows, usually folkloric. Weekends are common fairs with handicrafts, antiques and gastronomic stalls. It has a tourist report office. In its surroundings is the main commercial and gastronomic area.
• Centro Cultural de los Pueblos Originarios y Casa de la Cultura. Güemes and Alberdi. The first house houses historical objects and works of indigenous art in a museum-like tour of the native communities, making their history and culture known. In both activities are carried out such as pottery and sewing workshops, exhibitions, acts, plays, musicals, dance works, among others.
• San Francisco Solano Chapel. In the neighborhood of La Loma, it is located on a hill this ancient adobe chapel of characteristic pink. Its predium is a viewpoint towards the city, from where it stands out its large density of trees over the buildings. In its surroundings there are green spaces of recreation.
• Yariguarenda, 10 km from the city centre. The Virgen de la Peña Sanctuary is home to a Franciscan community with a picturesque church, and home to the feast of the Blessed Virgin. Within the sanctuary there are hiking trails, bicycle rental and camping with grills in the nature. Outside the sanctuary there is a guided path played by members of the original communities, where it is deepened on the culture and nature of the place. Native plantations, bird watching and flora and fauna recognition are visited. Artisanal and regional food fairs are also held on weekends.

Climate

The climate of Tartagal is of the humid tropical climate with dry winter (Cwa) type, according to the Köppen climate classification. It is characterized by having rainy summers, very hot with days up to 44 ° C maximum. Winters are mild with few cold days, never below 0°C. In this season the rainfall is scarce.

Tartagal average weather parameters
Month	Ene.	Feb.	Mar.	Open up.	May.	Jun.	Jul.	Ago.	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.	Annual
Temp. max. abs. (°C)	42.2	42.6	39.1	36.1	35.6	32.8	37.7	41.0	43.0	43.8	44.8	44.2	44.8
Average temperature (°C)	31.5	30.5	28.7	25.5	23.4	21.7	21.6	25.8	28.8	30.9	30.7	32.6	27.5
Average temperature (°C)	25.4	24.4	23.2	20.4	18.1	15.5	14.6	17.8	21.0	23.7	24.1	26.0	21.0
Temp. medium (°C)	20.5	19.6	19.6	16.7	13.6	11.1	8.6	10.1	13.7	17.2	18.0	20.1	15.6
Temp. min. abs. (°C)	9.7	11.2	8.0	4.6	2.0	1.6	1	3	4	12	15	19	1
Total precipitation (mm)	182.8	179.5	191.5	44.8	31.6	5.3	3.5	5.7	31.3	46.2	130.4	117.8	970.4
Relative humidity (%)	74.3	77.7	82.0	81.9	82.0	77.8	67.4	58.2	52.3	57.7	66.6	67.9	71.1
Source No. 1: Salta Information Portal
Source No. 2: Agricultural Risk Office

Social composition

The social composition of Tartagal is characterized by its cultural diversity and its heterogeneous population.

Eight aboriginal ethnic groups inhabit this municipality: Matacos, Chiriguanos, Chanés, Quechuas, Chorotes, Chulupíes, Aymaras and Tobas.

Another important element of its social conformation is the migratory component that adds to its population: Tartagal was the main destination for immigration of the peasant-rancher population from the east (commonly known as "chaqueños"), who settled, like the aborigines, in peripheral neighborhoods of the city. Due to its proximity to Bolivia, a large number of inhabitants are of Bolivian origin, and it also has other important foreign communities: among the main ones, the Syrian-Lebanese, the Paraguayan and the Spanish.

Population

The last census of 2010 determined that the city of Tartagal has a population of approximately 64,530 inhabitants, thus being the third most populous city in the province, only surpassed by the provincial capital and by the city of San Ramón de la Nueva Orán. For 2021, a population of 123,709 inhabitants is expected.

Armed and Security Forces

Garnish

This section is an excerpt from Annex:Deployment of the Argentine Armed Forces § Tartagal.[chuckles]edit]

Argentine Army

Units of the Guar Ej Tartagal	Abbreviation
Monte 28 Infantry Regiment «General Juana Azurduy de Padilla»	RI Mte 28
Monte Hunter Company 17	Caz Mte 17

Argentine Air Force

Units	Abbreviation
Tartagal Military Deployment Air Base	BAMDO Tartagal

National Gendarmerie Squad 52

• In 1938, the National Executive passed Act No. 12,367, creating and organizing the National Gendarmerie. The Gendarmerie patrols the northwest border with Bolivia to control the smuggling and entry of clandestine immigrants. Until 1953 he had police function, among other powers and obligations of his law of creation. On 20 January 1947, by provincial decree 804, an agreement was established with the National Gendarmerie to act in the Tartagal Section.

Seismicity

The seismicity of the Salta area is frequent and of low intensity, and a seismic silence of medium to severe earthquakes every 40 years.

• Sismo de 1930: Although such catastrophic geological activity occurs from prehistoric times, the earthquake of December 24, 1930 (92 years) marked an important milestone in the history of Jewish seismic events, with 6.4 degrees in the Richter scale. But nothing changed, extreme care and/or restricting building codes.
• 1948 earthquake: August 25, 1948 (74 years) with 7.0 Richter, which destroyed buildings and opened numerous cracks in an extensive area.
• Sismo de 2010: el 27 de febrero de 2010 (13 años), con 6,1 Richter.

Religion

The religion of the inhabitants, as in the province of Salta, is mainly Catholic, with a large number of churches spread throughout the city. During the last years the presence of evangelical churches has also grown, mostly with small centers of worship in the neighborhoods of the periphery and the original communities; and other larger ones in the center of the city. There is also a chapel of the Orthodox Church, and small Jewish and Islamic communities.