San Antonio de Areco was founded in 1730, under the protection of a chapel inaugurated by José Ruiz de Arellano. It has been declared city of historic national interest by the Argentine Government and is recognized for being the homeland of Don Segundo Sombra, the immortal character of the novel written by Ricardo Güiraldes. The city is the home of the Museo Gauchesco Ricardo Güiraldes. Each year in November, the city holds the Día de la Tradición (Tradition Day) gaucho celebration. Since 2001, San Antonio de Areco is sister city of Laredo, Texas in the United States
