Parana

Parana, a city and port * of Argentina, capital of the province of Entre Rios, and the see of a bishopric, situated on the left bank of the Parana river, 410 m. by navigable channels (about 240 m. direct) N.W. of Buenos Aires. Pop. (1895), 24,261; (1904, estimate), 27,000. The city occupies a gently rolling site 120 ft. above the river and about 2 m. from its riverside port of Bajada Grande, with which it is connected by railway, tramway and highway. It is classed as a seaport, and oceangoing vessels of not over 12 ft. draught can ascend to Bajada. There is also a daily ferry service across the river to Santa Fe (7 m. distant), which is connected by railway with Rosario and Buenos Aires. Parana is also the western terminus of a provincial railway system, which connects with Concepcion and Concordia, on the Uruguay river, and with other important towns of the province. The mean annual temperature is about 66° F. and the climate is bracing and healthful. Its port of Bajada Grande, on the river shore below the bluffs, has the custom-house and a fine wharf for the accommodation of the Entre Rios railway and river craft. Parana was founded in 1730 by colonists from Santa Fe and was at first known as Bajada (a landing place). It was made the capital of the province by General Mansilla in 1821 (Concepcion had previously been the capital), but in 1861 General Urquiza restored the seat of government to Concepcion, where it remained until 1882, when Parana again became the capital. Parana was also the capital of the Argentine Confederation from 1852 to 1861.