The place soon became notorious for having witnessed a series of battles during the struggle for independence from Spain in 1811.

[citation needed] Rosario's first inhabitant is believed to have been Pascual de Chena, an amerindian of Colla descent.

Even the alternative name of the city, Rosario del Colla, makes reference to this fact.

Even before the Independence of Uruguay, Rosario had received the status of "Villa" (town).

Its status was elevated to "City" category on 17 August 1920 by the Act of Ley Nº 7.257.