Cerrito Isla del [1920s-1960s]

Description: This folder contains information on the Isla del Cerrito that is situated in the confluence of the Paraguay and the Paraná rivers in the province of Chaco, Argentina. It is thus called because of a small hill that exists on the island—a rare phenomenon that rises on the right margin of the two rivers. In the island there is only a town with the same name. Hunters, fishermen and timber workers from the province of Corrientes plus Native-American inhabited the island sparsely. It was military occupied by Paraguay and Brazil during the 19th century. The authorities moved there during the War of the Triple Alliance (or Guerra de la Tripe Alianza) of Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay against Paraguay. Since the beginning of the 20th century and to the end of the 1960s, a leper colony was installed in the island and was very much resented by the local inhabitants as we can read in the envelope's documents. When the hospital was withdrawn, the island became a tourist attraction. Extent of original: Nepaco folder. Condition of original: Regular to bad condition.