It is named after Rafael Obligado, an Argentine poet and playwright.

[2] Founded on 20 March 1887,[3] the town was first named in honor of poet and writer Esteban Echeverría.

In the late 1920s, the town was renamed in honor of playwright and poet Rafael Obligado; the name change was in large part made to avoid confusion with Esteban Echeverría Partido, also in Buenos Aires Province.

[2] Every November since 1971, a biscuit festival is held in Rafael Obligado.

The fiesta is an opportunity for a reunion of members of the region and those who have left it for work or personal reasons.