La ubicación del Fuerte Independencia a través de las investigaciones arqueológicas (Tandil, Provincia de Buenos Aires)

Abstract

The historical archaeological research carried out in the city of Tandil and the work carried out at frontier sites of the XIXth century (in the districts of Olavarria, Nueve de Julio, Coronel Suarez, General Alvear and Los Toldos) have allowed us to advance our knowledge of frontier societies and to understand the functions of fortified enclaves. These fortified enclaves encouraged the entry of Euro-Creole immigrants (military and civilian population) in order to interact with the native communities. Through archaeological excavations, topographical, cartographic, and documentary analysis, it was possible to reorient the location of Fort Independencia, founded in 1823, which later gave rise to the urban development of the town of Tandil. This work shows the preliminary results of the analysis of documents and of the material culture recovered in the excavations carried out in the courtyard of the Danish Church, surveys carried out in private properties, the area within the perimeter of the fortification and in the Parque Independencia, the area where the cemetery of the fortification was located as well as the material remains of the aboriginal people who inhabited the place. The research was aimed at establishing the location and functionality of the fortification from its foundation until the urban growth of the city.