Tigre, formerly known as Las Conchas, was the cradle of important episodes of Argentinean history. In the first decades of the 20 th century this land used to be the favorite summer destination of aristocratic families of Buenos Aires. Nowadays the visitor can feel its history reflected in its museums and antique mansions.

Colonization of this land dates from the second foundation of Buenos Aires by Juan de Garay. A document signed on October 24 th in 1580 recorded the distribution of lands in this area. Years later, the Town Council of Buenos Aires recognized the existence of different villages in the outskirts of the city, including the area of Las Conchas. This was the first name given to this village due to the hundreds of shells found on the river-bed.

Throughout the years, harvesters who grew wheat, settled down in the area and soon the population increased considerably.

In 1806, during the British invasion, General Liniers disembarked here with his army and organized the reconquest of Buenos Aires. - The house where Museo de la Reconquista is located nowadays was the venue where this episode took place -

In 1812 the village was pillaged by the Spanish Army. Soon Tigre inhabitants formed a regiment led by José María Vilela who joined Argentinean army and took part in every frontier battle against the Spaniards during the Independence War.

In 1820 a flood caused severe damages to the village.

In 1865 the first train arrived in Las Conchas, bringing a great incentive to the development of the area. Until then it took a whole day to come from Buenos Aires. Two years later there was an outbreak of cholera (brought by soldiers coming from the war in Paraguay by boat down the Paraná river). This disease devastated the village, being here more severe than in Buenos Aires.

On the other hand, during the yellow fever disease that affected Buenos Aires in 1871, Las Conchas served as a shelter for many rich Buenos Aires inhabitants. In this period many mansions were built in the area. Once this disease was eradicated these mansions were used as summer residences.

Both the village and the Delta were chosen by writers, politicians and other important personalities of the moment to spend their summer holidays or weekends.

At the beginning of the 20 th century Tigre islands became an important fruit and wood producer.