Ushuaia is
a land filled with history. From Indians being
colonized, outlaws and jails to travelers
expeditions in the 19th century. Showing the
evolution of mankind and societies. We find
out that in Ushuaia there are still many mysteries
uncovered.
At
the present time Ushuaia has a population
of 60 thousand. Before this city was civilized,
stories about Indians, colonization and world
travelers looking for unexplored territories
took place here.
The history of Ushuaia takes us back thousands
of years when the "yamanes" Indians
arrived on canoes. These Indians lived on
both sides of the Beagle channel, and surrounding
channels that led to Cape Horn. Their lives
were based on the hunt of sea wolves that
provided the skins for the survival of extremely
cold winters.
Around six thousand years later the "yamanes"
way of living started to be disrupted when
the first explorers sailed for more territories
(expansion wave of the 19th century). In 1832
the ship commanded by captain Fitz Roy anchored
outside what today is known as Ushuaia. The
Beagle was the name of this ship. Giving name
to the channel that allowed this trip. Charles
Darwin was on board.
Darwin’s voyages thru Tierra del Fuego
served greatly for his theory of human evolution.
Samples he used in the theory came from here.
Many scientists and social experts say this
theory changed the preconceptions of our evolution.
In 1871 the first mission of the Anglican
Church was established. Father Thomas Bridges
headed this settlement. In 1884 the government
of Julio Roca occupied the region. 18 years
later the "Jail at the end of the world"
was created. This of course started changing
all the ways of Ushuaia.
Built by the same outlaws that gained their
imprisonment to this jail at the end of the
world. From 1902 to1947 the most dangerous
criminals were sent to this jail. The duties
and jobs prison mates had, supplied services
(like wood and metal works, lumberjacking,
crops gathering) for town. Prisoners here
also built roads, repaired the pier and established
the first railroad tracks.
In our days this prison has become a museum
filled with memorandums. You can see black
and white pictures that reflect history.
