The city was founded on 15 November 1871 under the name of Progreso, the Spanish term for «Progress».

[1] The railway system enabled the place to expand itself beyond its original borders and to achieve, at the same time, some sort of economic prosperity.

The railway system also resulted in the establishment of some English families near the industrial area of the city.

[3] Present-day Progreso, despite its name, ranks high in Uruguay as far as the unemployment rate is concerned.

[4] In 2010, the Intendencia de Canelones had estimated a population of 19,578 for the municipality during the elections.