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A rich and fascinating history
Ushuaia, located in the southernmost tip of Argentina, has a rich and fascinating history that is closely tied to the country’s position in Antarctica.
Ushuaia was founded in 1884 by Augusto Lasserre, a French businessman who established a prison colony in the area, to house Argentina’s most dangerous criminals. The prison was designed to exploit the abundant natural resources of the region, such as timber and fish.
he prisoners and their guards were the first permanent inhabitants of Ushuaia. Over time, the prison colony grew into a small town, and Ushuaia became an important center for trade and commerce in the southernmost part of Argentina.
Strategic role for Argentina
During the early 20th century, Ushuaia played an important role in Argentina’s position in Antarctica. The government of Argentina recognized the strategic importance of Antarctica and began to explore the region for scientific and economic purposes. Ushuaia was the primary departure point for many of these expeditions, including the Belgian Antarctic Expedition of 1897-1899, led by Adrien de Gerlache and Roald Amundsen.
Ushuaia gateway to the antarctica
Ushuaia continued to be an important base for scientific research and exploration in Antarctica and it became a popular destination for tourists, who come to explore the region’s stunning natural beauty and rich history.
Further reading: The Majestic Martial Glacier in Ushuaia, Fin del Mundo
