Stone Bridge - History
Origin of District Stone Bridge, Lima, Peru
The name “Stone Bridge” takes us back to a distant past, where a large rock, strategically placed over a ditch, served as a natural passage for the local people. This rock, a witness to ancient cultures, became such an important landmark that it gave its name to the place and, eventually, to the district.
Although the stone was the origin of the name, the district’s history as an administrative entity is more recent. During the Republican era, the area, still sparsely populated and swampy, was known as “Puente Piedra.” Over time, thanks to population growth and the need to better organize the territory, the idea of creating an independent district arose.
Thus, on February 14, 1927, by means of Law No. 5675, Puente Piedra separated from the district of Carabayllo and became an independent district. This date marks a milestone in the history of the district, as it signified the official recognition of its identity and the beginning of a new chapter in its development.
Since its founding, Puente Piedra has experienced rapid demographic and urban growth. Its strategic location, close to important communication routes, and its industrial vocation have made it a center of development in the north of Lima.
Despite this growth, Puente Piedra retains its essence and roots to the land. Many of its inhabitants keep alive the traditions and customs inherited from their ancestors, which gives it a unique and special identity.
This 1970 health care facility...
This was the second municipal...
Residents of Puente Piedra...
Personalities of the 1960s...
Frontispiece of the church of Puente Piedra...
Religious premises...
Festivity of the Huanca community...
Council meeting...
The train service was inaugurated by President Balta in the 19th century...
Historical Timeline
1815
Founding and Origin of Puente PiedraPuente Piedra, originally a hamlet of the Copacabana hacienda in Carabayllo, was known as San Isidro de Puente Piedra. Founded in 1988 by landowner Rigoberto Molina, its name derives from a historic and symbolic bridge. San Isidro Labrador is the patron saint of the hamlet. It is speculated that the bridge was built by the landowners Calvo and Godoy between 1815 and 1820, although some theories suggest that it was built by indigenous people.
1870
Development of the Railroad and Agroindustry in Trapiche (1870-1920)In 1870, President Balta built the Lima-Ancón-Chancay railroad, boosting economic and social development in the region. Around 1900, near the hamlet of Trapiche, a sugar cane processing mill was established under the administration of the English corporation Milne. In 1920, Milne sold the mill to Peruvian-American Rollin Thorne. This mill, along with a railroad station, facilitated the transportation of products and passengers, fueling an agro-industrial dynamic that revitalized the area as Carabayllo became depopulated.
1903
Landowners' Struggle (1903-1909)In 1903, Rigoberto Molina mortgaged his 153 bushels of land to Julio Normand, losing control when he was unable to pay the debt and becoming a tenant farmer. In 1906, Tomás Marzano Gutiérrez applied to the government for a land concession that included part of Molina's hacienda. In 1908, after Normand's death, his widow Beatriz Sattler decided to auction the property, but Molina continued to lease it. In 1909, Molina claimed that Marzano had wrongly included state land in his estate. The supreme court ruled in Molina's favor, confirming his right to the land.
1910
The Caserío on State LandThe gamonal Rigoberto Molina, owner of the Copacabana hacienda, founded and baptized the hamlet, paternalistically dominating over his peonada. The lots given or leased by Molina were on State land, bordering Los Gramadales, whose ownership was officially denied to the hacienda. In 1910, this land became Comercio Avenue, spurring the growth of a diversified community of merchants, railroaders and farmers. Over time, neighbors organized community events, consolidating a space for social interaction and festivities.
1918
Purchase of Hacienda CopacabanaIn February 1918, due to Rigoberto Molina's debt, the Copacabana hacienda was put up for public auction. Tomás Marzano, a landowner and miner, took advantage of a 1913 claim that reduced the land bid from 418 to 153 bushels. This move caused the other bidders to withdraw their bids, allowing Marzano to claim the Copacabana ranch. This acquisition consolidated Marzano as the new owner of the hacienda, surpassing Molina's bid and transforming his position in the region.
1920
Undisputed Leader of the CaserioBorn in Lurin in 1853, Manuel Garay was a cattle rancher and farmer who arrived in Puente Piedra in 1882. Patriarch of the community, he was a member of the Committee for the Construction of the Glorieta in 1910 and led the community organization. In 1920, at the age of 67, he consolidated his position as the undisputed leader of the hamlet. The threat of eviction by Tomás Marzano mobilized the community members under his leadership, preparing them for physical resistance and a long trial, which resulted in the formation of the Puente Piedra Community Members Society.
1921
Formation of the Puente Piedra CommunityOn January 16, 1921, those affected by the land disputes between Marzano and Molina organized themselves by creating the “Puente Piedra Community”. In an assembly with 55 attendees, Manuel Garay was elected as president and Juan Lecaros as vice president, along with other key members such as Tomás Garay, Leoncio Padilla and Adolfo Monteverde. The Pro-Puente Piedra Committee was established, chaired by Manuel Garay Solís, a recognized and experienced leader.
1921
Society of Commoners Files LawsuitThe Sociedad de Comuneros de Puente Piedra filed a lawsuit against Tomás Marzano, appointing Juan Lecaros, Martel Barreto and Gregorio Quiroz as their representatives, with the legal advice of Juan Angulo and Puente Arnao. The objective was for Marzano to exhibit the titles that justified his possession and usufruct of the lands. The legal battle became complicated and slow, with legal terms that confused the community members. Despite initial optimism, the trial dragged on, proving costly and demoralizing for the peasants. Finally, the assembly decided to change defense counsel, appointing Dr. Napoleón Valdez to continue the legal and administrative struggle.
1922
The Expropriation Law - First Victory of the PuentePedrinosAfter long and difficult negotiations, the inhabitants of Puente Piedra obtained their first victory on October 26, 1922. Meeting with Minister Lauro Curletti, they succeeded in getting the Ministry of Development to issue an expropriation resolution, allowing the claimants to enter into lawful possession of 521 hectares and 7,062 meters of land. This resolution put an end to the collections and evictions, consolidating their right to the land. The news was received with jubilation, and the villagers marched to Lima to celebrate, reflecting their gratitude and joy for the favorable resolution.
1922
The EvictionIn 1922, Tomás Marzano, ignoring the rights acquired by the settlers, notified the Puente Piedra hamlet that they had to vacate their lands and houses. In the face of resistance, Marzano, accompanied by bulldozers and half a hundred men, attempted to evict the inhabitants by force. However, the defenders of the hamlet, led by Felicita Ortíz de Quiroz, managed to repel the attack, despite insults and physical confrontations. Marzano's men, motivated only by pay, dispersed, allowing the Puentepedrinos to keep their land.
1924
The Breakup - Dispute between Lecaros and GarayIn 1924, an intense dispute between Juan Lecaros and Manuel Garay put communal unity at risk. During an assembly, Garay and his son Tomás resigned, causing chaos. Lecaros insisted that he did not need a new president and left the room after an argument. The new board elected Gregorio Quiroz as president and Manuel Gonzáles as vice president. That same day, Manuel Garay founded the “Unión Fraternal de Pequeños Agricultores y Defensa Local”, intensifying internal divisions.
1924
Interview with President Leguía - Presidential InterventionIn 1924, a commission headed by Lecaros and neighbors traveled to Lima to file complaints against Tomás Marzano. With the support of Father Juan Arana, they were received by President Augusto B. Leguía, who assured them that they would not be expelled from their lands. This intervention was seen as a significant triumph for the Puentepedrinos, who felt great relief and hope after the presidential audience.
1926
President of the Sociedad de ComunerosBorn in Supe in 1864, Juan Lecaros, to a Chilean father and a Spanish mother, worked as a machine modeler before being hired by the sugar mill in 1908. He served as president of the Community of Communal Owners' Society from 1926, standing out for his political influence and mobilization, supported by the Leguizamo faction and the clergy. Although he never owned land, he led the struggle against Tomás Marzano, who pressured the community with evictions and excessive fees, marking a contrast with the methods of Manuel Garay and strengthening his leadership in Puente Piedra.
1926
The Stiglich ReportIn 1926, the Geographic Society of Lima, through geographer Germán Stiglich, undertook to prepare a report on the feasibility of creating the Puente Piedra District. Stiglich surveyed the territory, documenting and justifying the districting. The report, presented to Congress on October 25, 1926, included a bill and a map of the district, strengthening the arguments for the official creation of the Puente Piedra District.
1927
The First Municipal Council in History - Appointment of the First MayorPresident Leguía appointed Juan Lecaros as the first mayor of Puente Piedra, recognizing his leadership in the struggle for land and his political ability. Lecaros, founder of the Leguía Club No. 1 Defenders of Puente Piedra and president of the local Democratic Reformist Party, was joined on the municipal council by Gregorio Quiroz, Luis Montemayor, Eloy Nuñez, and Manuel Gonzáles, thus consolidating the first municipal council of the new district.
1927
The Creation of the Puente Piedra DistrictOn January 25, 1927, Congress approved the law creating the Puente Piedra District. The law, signed by E. de la Piedra and Jesús M. Salazar, and attributed to Tomás Miles, was promulgated by the President of the Republic as Act No. 5675 on February 14, 1927. This law established the boundaries and capital of the new district, based on the foundations of the hamlet of San Isidro de Puente Piedra, marking a glorious milestone in local history.
