They wielded the sword for the homeland and loved the work on the land.

In 1941, the Argentine government officially declared a small farm near Mendoza, known as La Tebaida, a historical site. This land was once owned by General José de San Martín, the revered liberator of Argentina, who had dreamed of retiring to the countryside to cultivate the soil. The designation came nearly two decades after San Martín’s death, marking the recognition of his deep connection to the land and his efforts to promote agricultural development during the early years of the nation. San Martín's interest in agriculture began during his tenure as governor of Mendoza, where he sought to improve the region’s productivity. In October 1816, he requested a portion of land in Los Barriales to establish a small farm, which he called La Tebaida. He envisioned using this space as a refuge from the political turmoil of the time and as a place to reconnect with the simplicity of rural life. By November of the same year, he took possession of the land, though he soon left for Chile. Upon his return in 1823, he appointed Don Pedro Moyano as administrator of the property and expanded its size by acquiring adjacent plots. He designed an irrigation system, including a network of canals, to ensure the sustainability of his farming efforts. Despite these achievements, San Martín’s time on the farm was brief. Political conflicts and the tragic death of his wife forced him to abandon the land, leaving it to eventually be sold. It would take another century before the government acknowledged its historical significance. The story of La Tebaida is part of a broader narrative of how early national leaders contributed to Argentina’s agrarian development. According to the writings of Don Luis Pozzo Ardizzi in his book Hombres del surco (Semblanzas de agricultores), several figures played pivotal roles in shaping the country’s agricultural landscape. Among them was General Manuel Belgrano, who, while serving as secretary of the Consulate, actively promoted agricultural practices. He advocated for the planting of trees in the Pampas to prevent droughts and encouraged farmers to adopt innovative techniques. In 1797, a royal decree established financial incentives for farmers who introduced crops suited to local climates, offering fifty pesos to those who successfully implemented such methods. Another key figure was Admiral Guillermo Brown, whose military victories helped secure Argentina’s independence. After retiring from active service, he found solace in his estate at Barracas, where he engaged in agricultural work. His dedication to the land was evident when British naval officer John Grenfell visited him in 1820. Grenfell, who had served under the Empire of Brazil and opposed Brown during the war, arrived in civilian attire and was struck by the sight of Brown working the fields. Brown, dressed in simple farmer’s clothes and holding a plow, responded to Grenfell’s praise with humility, stating that he preferred the quiet dignity of a farmer’s life over the honors and wealth offered by the state. These accounts highlight the often-overlooked contributions of early leaders to Argentina’s agricultural foundations. While their primary legacies lie in politics and warfare, their commitment to fostering productive rural communities laid the groundwork for future generations. The recognition of La Tebaida as a historical site underscores the enduring importance of these connections between leadership and the land.