Salta Province
Northwestern Argentine province with diverse geography and history.
Salta is a province in northwestern Argentina, bordered by Bolivia and Paraguay to the north, Chile to the west, and the Argentine provinces of Formosa, Chaco, Santiago del Estero, Tucumán, and Catamarca. It also entirely surrounds the province of Jujuy. Before the arrival of Spanish conquistadors, the region was home to various indigenous groups, including the Diaguita and Calchaquí peoples in the valleys, who spoke the Cacán language and comprised tribes such as the Quilmes and Humahuacas. The Atacama people inhabited the high Puna plateau, while the Wichí (Matacos) lived in the Chaco lowlands. The first European to explore the area was Diego de Almagro in 1535, followed by Diego de Rojas. The city of Salta was founded in 1582 by Hernando de Lerma as San Felipe de Lerma, later renamed San Felipe de Salta. By 1650, the city had roughly five hundred residents. During the colonial period, an intendency of Salta del Tucumán was created within the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata. In 1774, the town of San Ramón de La Nueva Orán was established between Salta and Tarija, and in 1783 the intendency’s capital moved from San Miguel de Tucumán to Salta. The Battle of Salta in 1813 secured the territory’s freedom from Spanish rule, though occasional attacks from the Viceroyalty of Peru continued until 1826. The province of Salta was formally created in 1814, originally encompassing present-day Salta, Jujuy, and parts of southern Bolivia and northern Chile. Following Argentine independence, Bolivia annexed Tarija in 1826, and Jujuy separated to become its own province in 1834. Further border adjustments occurred in 1900 with the loss of Yacuiba to Bolivia. The National Government of Los Andes, formed from Salta in 1902 with its capital at San Antonio de los Cobres, was returned to the province in 1943 as the Department of Los Andes.
- Capital
- Salta
- Country
- Argentina
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Salta Province was created in 1814 by Gervasio de Posadas, originally including parts of what are now Jujuy, southern Bolivia, and northern Chile. The Battle of Salta in 1813 ended Spanish control, though attacks from the Viceroyalty of Peru continued until 1826. The province has a varied climate due to altitude and orography, ranging from hot semi-arid in the east to cool arid in the high Andes. The eastern slopes receive heavy orographic rainfall, supporting dense jungle. The Valles Calchaquíes have a subtropical highland climate and are known for wine production. The Altiplano region features salt flats and a cool semi-arid climate. Economically, Salta produces oil, gas, uranium, and silver. Agriculture includes tobacco, sugar cane, and viticulture, especially Torrontés, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Tourism is significant, with attractions such as the Tren a las Nubes, the Museum of High Altitude Archaeology (housing the Children of Llullaillaco mummies), and three national parks: El Rey, Baritú, and Los Cardones.
Reader's Guide
Salta Province holds historical importance as a key region in Argentina's independence and as a crossroads of indigenous and colonial cultures. Its capital, Salta, is a major tourist destination known for colonial architecture and the Museum of High Altitude Archaeology. The province's diverse geography—from the Chaco plains to the high Andes—supports a range of economic activities, including energy extraction, mining, and agriculture. The Valles Calchaquíes wine region is nationally renowned. Salta's history of border changes reflects broader geopolitical shifts in the Southern Cone. The province's economy, though underdeveloped relative to national averages, is diverse and includes manufacturing, petroleum refining, and tourism.
Did You Know?
- The Battle of Salta in 1813 freed the territory from Spain.
- Salta Province was created in 1814 by Gervasio de Posadas.
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