Catamarca Province Plata was created in 1776, Catamarca obtained the title of "Subintendencia" under the Salta intendency. In 1821, the province claimed its autonomy, and Nicolás Avellaneda y Tula (grandfather of Nicolás Avellaneda) was elected as the first governor of the province. The name is believed to come either from Quechua "cata" 'slope' and "marca" 'fortress', or from Aymara "catán" 'small' and "marca" 'town'. Catamarca remained isolated from the rest of Argentina by its mountains until 1888, when the rapidly expanding railways first appeared in the province. Attracting immigrants with its spacious, fertile valleys and dry, agreeable weather, Catamarca was soon favored
2000 South American Cross Country Championships 9 countries were competing for the Central American and Caribbean Cross Country Championships. 13 athletes from Colombia and 5 athletes from Panamá competed for both championships. In addition, one African guest athlete, and 45 local Colombian athletes participated. 2000 South American Cross Country Championships The 2000 South American Cross Country Championships took place on February 5–6, 2000. The races were held in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, jointly with the Central American and Caribbean Cross Country Championships. Complete results, results for junior and youth competitions, and medal winners were published. This is an unofficial extraction from the results. According to an