During the first decades of the 19th century the area was known as Paso de Tranqueras because of the homonymous bridge over the Tacuaremb� Grande river. In 1890 the French Marcos Bourr� donated to the state some land for the construction of a railway station. The arrival of the railway became the birth point of a village which grew rapidly with hotels, stores and small industry.
On 22 July 1914 it was declared a "Pueblo" (village) by the Act of Ley N� 5.107, and on 15 October 1963, its status was elevated to "Villa" (town) by the Act of Ley N� 13.167. Finally, on 13 December 1994 its status was elevated to "Ciudad" (city) by the Act of Ley N� 16.667
