History of Rivera

Rivera is a city located in the north of Uruguay, on the border with Brazil.

It was founded in 1860 and owes its name to General Fructuoso Rivera, one of the fathers of Uruguayan independence.

During the Great War, the city suffered several attacks by Brazilian troops and, later, it was the scene of the fight between whites and colorados.

In the 1950s, the city experienced strong economic development thanks to the installation of large companies, which attracted many immigrants.

Currently, Rivera is known for its trade in imported products, especially electronics and fashion items. It is also a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to the Brazilian city of Santana do Livramento, with which it forms a binational area.

See more about the history of Rivera

See also information on Brasil.