Rio Cuarto, in the Córdoba, Argentina, was founded in 1786 and has a population of about 200,000. The Rio Cuarto (Cuarto River) runs through the center of the city. This part of Argentina is mostly agricultural, lots of ranching and farming, and Rio Cuarto is a hub for the slaughterhouses and food processing plants.

Before Spanish colonization, the area where Rio Cuarto now sits was inhabited by the Comechingón people. They were skilled in agriculture and livestock management, living in semi-subterranean dwellings. Traces of their culture remain in oral traditions and archaeological finds, giving an important view into the region's deeper history. Rio Cuarto's establishment in 1786 wasn't just about creating a town—it was a military and logistical necessity. The settlement functioned as a buffer against Indigenous groups during a time when Spanish colonists sought to secure trade routes and expand the empire's influence into the Pampas.

After Argentina gained independence in 1816, Rio Cuarto's role shifted. The arrival of the railroad in 1870 transformed it from a frontier outpost to a booming hub of agriculture and commerce. Immigrants, primarily Italians and Spaniards, were drawn to the area by opportunities in farming and livestock trading. The development of modern infrastructure during this period, including the establishment of schools and businesses, laid the groundwork for its transition into a self-governing city by 1883. The town established its system of mayors and the city council in 1883. The town was founded as Villa de la Concepción del Rio Cuarto in 1786. That almost 100 year gap was filled by appointed officials. The town's church, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, built between 1883 and 1886.

The Air Force Base in Rio Cuarto has historical significance beyond its military function. It became a stage for political events, including the 1955 uprising against Perón, known as the "Revolución Libertadora." This event ties the city to one of Argentina's most tumultuous periods.

Rio Cuarto is also home to the National University of Rio Cuarto, established in 1971, which serves as a hub for higher education and research. The founding of the National University of Rio Cuarto in 1971 elevated the city's cultural and educational status, attracting students and intellectuals from across Argentina. This university has contributed to regional agricultural innovation and environmental studies, reinforcing Rio Cuarto's role as a hub for modern development.

Nowadays, Rio Cuarto is nicknamed "El Imperio del Sur" (The Empire of the South) due to its economic importance in Córdoba Province. It is a major producer of soybeans, wheat, and corn, and its food-processing industries are vital to Argentina's economy.

Enough of the town's history. When the bus I was on approached the town I was surprised by the number of tall buildings. This small city has at least eight buildings that are between 20-28 stories tall, and another six buildings between 12 - 20 stories. The River Cuarto runs through the center of the city and along both sides is park space. It's quite nice with sports areas, picnic areas with BBQs, and lots of green space. It runs about 2 kilometers on either side and includes around 14.7 hectares (26.5 acres) of park space.

This is a pleasant small city, a good place to stop for a night or two between Mendoza and Córdoba.