History

    Several distinct indigenous groups populated the area now called Argentina well before the arrival of the Europeans.  The Incas had made inroads into the highlands of the Northwest.  Most other groups were nomadic hunters and fishers, such as those in Chaco, the Tehuelche of Patagonia, and the Querandi and Puelche of the pampas.  Others developed stationary agriculture.

    Many present-day Argentines fell they're really Europeans settled in South America, a perception fed by the heritage of the country's Spanish, Italian, German and French immigrants. In 1502, and Sebastian Cabot in 1526.  Cabot established a fort at Sancti Spiritus.  He also sent word back home of the presence of silver.

    In 1535, Spain having conquered Peru and aware of Portugal's presence in Brazil sent an expedition headed by Pedro de Mendoza to settle the country. Mendoza was initially successful in founding Santa Maria del Buen Aire, or Buenos Aires in 1536, but the lack of food proved fatal. Mendoza, discouraged by Indian attacks and mortally ill, sailed for Spain in 1537, he died on the way.

    Northern Argentina (including Buenos Aires)  was settled mainly by people traveling from the neighboring Spanish colonies of Chile, Peru. and the settlement of Asuncion in Paraguay.  Little migration occurred directly form Spain, but early communities forged a society dependent on cattle and horses imported from Spain, as well as such native crops as corn and potatoes.  Pervasive Roman Catholic missions played a strong role in the colonizing process.  The Spanish presence grew over the following centuries as Buenos Aires became a critical South American port.

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