Latin American History Commons^™

President Julio Roca And The Welsh Communities Of Patagonia, Anne Fountain

Faculty Publications

Seen simply as reflections of Argentine history which share the relative tranquility of an attractive neighborhood in Buenos Aires, the Roca library and the Rawson statue seem unlikely links for a little-known chapter in the immigration annals of Argentina. But, in fact, both Rawson and Roca gave special consideration to the Welsh; both are remembered with appreciation; and Roca is something of a hero to the Welsh community because a century ago he personally intervened in an important dispute involving their religious beliefs. The significance of Roca's visits to the Welsh communities in Patagonia in 1899 is the focus of …