Editing Comodoro Rivadavia (section)

== Early history ==

The city was founded on 23 February 1901 as a port settlement intended to support agricultural colonies established inland in Chubut Province. Its strategic position along the Gulf of San Jorge made it a natural maritime supply point for settlements across southern Patagonia.

In 1907, large petroleum reserves were discovered near the city during drilling operations intended to locate groundwater. This discovery transformed Comodoro Rivadavia into one of Argentina's most important oil-producing regions. Industrial infrastructure expanded rapidly, attracting workers, engineers, and foreign specialists.

Throughout the early and mid-20th century, the city developed strong logistical networks linking Patagonia to Buenos Aires and international maritime routes.