city of northern Buenos Aires provincia (province), eastern Argentina. Located within the Pampa, it is about 135 miles (220 km) northwest of the city of Buenos Aires. It was first mentioned in 1626 as an unpopulated spot where a group of Spaniards lost some parchment documents (pergaminos). It was settled and became a municipality in 1784.

Located at the hub of rail and road networks, the city has developed a diverse economy, including the processing and distribution of agricultural produce and the manufacture of furniture, metals, and textiles. A local museum depicts the history of agriculture in the Pampa. Pop. (2001) 85,487.