During the beginning of the Conquest of the 16th century, the Spanish founded the Fuerte de San L�zaro (April 7, 1527 - October 1530). In 1611, Hernando Arias de Saavedra, governor of Asuncion, landed cattle near the mouth of the Arroyo de las Vacas. A populated centre was established here which had reached the status of "Pueblo" (village) before the Independence of Uruguay. The present city was founded by Jos� Gervasio Artigas on 12 February 1816. Its status was elevated to "Ciudad" (city) on 17 August 1920 by the Act of Ley N� 7.257. It is the only city founded personally by the Uruguayan national hero, and it still holds this office proudly.
Carmelo has a swing bridge, the Puerte Giratorio de Carmelo, over the Arroyo de las Vacas, which opened on May 1, 1912
