Antonio Lussich

Uruguayan sailor, arboricultorist & writer (1848-1928)

Antonio Dionisio Lussich (March 23, 1848 in Montevideo – June 5, 1928 in Punta del Este) was an Uruguayan sailor, arboricultorist and writer.

Family background

His father was Filippo Lussich, an Italian Merchant sailor who arrived in Montevideo, Uruguay in 1840.

Writings

He was notably the author of ´Los tres gauchos orientales´, depicting rural life in 19th century Uruguay. He was also responsible for other writings of a more maritime theme.

Political associations

In his youth Lussich fought as a supporter of Timoteo Aparicio, a Blanco leader in the intermittent 19th century Uruguayan Civil War ("Blanco" refers to "Partido Blanco", which is Spanish for "White Party").

Lussich later established quite cordial relations with Uruguay's Colorado Party leaders, receiving Colorado Presidents Claudio Wílliman and Baltasar Brum as guests at Punta Ballena ("Colorado" refers to "Partido Colorado", which is Spanish for "Red Party).

Arboretum

On 5 October 1896 he acquired 4,447 acres (18 km²) of uninhabited land at Punta Ballena. At this location he started his masterpiece, the creation of the Arboretum Lussich, a huge natural botany garden.

He owned part of his father's maritime rescue enterprise which he sold in 1917 so he could dedicate his full-time to his passion.