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Along the Corridors of History

An understanding of the historical roots of the Department of Paysandú and of its current prominence can be gained by a visit to its Municipal Historical Museum.

The original building was opened on November 1, 1890 as the headquarters of the Escuela Asilo Maternal (Child Care Home and School) in Paysandú. It was the first school in the country belonging to the Misión de las Hermanas del Huerto (Mission of the Orchard’s Sisters). Over the years it was also used as a place to display art, and as a location for municipal workshops and singing lessons. The technical school also used its facilities for educational purposes.

In the eighties, the local administration refurbished it, called it the “House of the Spirit of Paysandú”, and from August 1984 used it as a venue for several of its divisions. On October 4, 1988, the Executive Power declared it a Historical Monument, and on October 26, 1989, the Municipal Historical Museum was relocated there.

The museum guide tells of most important events that took place in the region, from the time it was inhabited by the Charrúa natives until present day. Paysandú was one of the cities that suffered a great loss of foreign and domestic troops during Uruguay’s fight for independence. In 1811 the city was defeated after a long fight against the Lusitanian troops. Many years of warfare ensued, and in 1846, the city was defeated again against the Rivera troops. The third defeat of Paysandú took place during the revolution led by General Venancio Flores on January 2, 1865, after 33 days of siege. The museum displays a selection of weapons, symbols, and artifacts of the city from that time.

Among the displays, you’ll find sculptures by national artists, a collection of pictures, and an important weapon and coin collection from the 19th century. You’ll also see furniture, musical instruments, clocks, and beautiful ancient murals portraying the most remarkable cultural events in the city.

The remains of the pedestal and a Carrara marble step where the Uruguay’s Statue of Liberty was erected stand out in the garden. The statue was formerly located in Constitución Square, but in 1864 it was destroyed.

The information in this article has been reproduced here with the permission of www.welcomeuruguay.com.