Mercedes is a city in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is located 100 km west from Buenos Aires and 30 km south west of Luján. It is the head town of the partido of the same name, and the seat of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Mercedes and Luján. It has a population of about 60,000 as per the 2001census [INDEC]. Mercedes was founded on 25 June1752 by José de Zarate as a fortress against native attacks. The large GothicBasílica Catedral Nuestra Señora de Mercedes is found on the large Plaza San Martín, also the location of the Italianate Palacio Municipal and numerous cafés and restaurants. A library founded by PresidentDomingo Faustino Sarmiento is located a few streets away. On the outskirts of Mercedes is an old pulpería or rural bar and store, institutions which enjoy mythical status in gaucho culture. Known as 'lo de Cacho', it claims to be the last pulpería of the Pampas and retains the atmosphere of 1850, the year it opened. There is an original wanted poster for the outlaw Juan Moreira and reminders of gauchos, their culture and knfe fights. Mercedes is known for its peaches and salami. Presidents Héctor Cámpora and Jorge Videla were born in Mercedes.
