It was founded on October 1756 and had acquired the status of "Villa" (town) before the Independence of Uruguay. On 8 June 1863, its status was elevated to "Ciudad" (city) by the Act of Ley N� 780.
General Leandro Gomez led Uruguayan forces to save the town from an invasion by Brazilian forces in 1864-5. A battle took place on 2 December 1864
