Nuevo Plano de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires

Detailed city plan of Buenos Aires during its transformation into the “Paris of South America.”

Initially, Argentina struggled both politically and economically after its independence from Spain, which began with the May Revolution in 1810 and was finalized in 1816. Civil conflict, insufficient sanitation, and a lack of internal improvements handicapped the growth of the country and its eventual capital until 1880, when Buenos Aires was officially established as the seat of government. By this time, improvements in transportation as a result of the Industrial Revolution and increased trade with Europe saw the tides of fortune change in city. Soon, vast quantities of money and goods were pouring in from European investors.

This commercial exchange prompted a drastic change in the city’s architecture, which became monumental and reflected French, Italian and English influence. The Columbus Theater, Congress Hall (seat of the Argentine Government) and the Buenos Aires Underground were all constructed in just a few years leading up to the publication of this map. Furthermore, in 1910 the city hosted the Centennial International Exposition to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the May Revolution – a clear imitation of the glamorous World’s Fairs that took place throughout Europe and the United States.

The map captures the development of the city by listing prominent buildings, showing the developing transportation system, and identifying large parks and public squares reminiscent of the Old World capitals. The density can be misleading, however, as only those areas shaded in pink actually have buildings (edificadas). A grid is provided to easily identify locations of interest – the map was likely published initially to accompany a guidebook of the city.