Barragán cove

The coastal region was first mapped by Magellan in 1520 in his trip around the world; the bay itself was settled by Hernandarias in the early 17th century.

The cove was fortified by the Spanish governors, and later by the Viceroys of the River Plate, several times with batteries and a defensive wall.

With the foundation of the new capital of Buenos Aires province (La Plata) in 1882, a new port was built between Ensenada and the nearby town of Berisso.

In June 1806, Fort Barragán was commanded by Santiago de Liniers and repulsed the first landing of the British under General Beresford; the invading army was forced to come ashore at Quilmes, some 20 kilometres (12 mi) upstream.

On the second British invasion in June 1807, however, the fort was left unmanned and it was captured by Lieutenant-General Whitelocke.