La Rioja was officially founded on 6 January 1591 by Juan Ramírez de Velasco. The settlement began as a strategic colonial town intended to secure Spanish control in the northwest. Early settlers built forts, farms, and trade routes that helped connect the region with other colonial centers. The town became known for its vineyards and mining activity, both of which supported its growth. Over time, La Rioja’s political identity developed as it joined the broader independence and nation-building movements. Its founding is considered one of the key moments in Argentina’s early territorial formation.
