Antonio Lussich


Antonio Dionisio Lussich was an Uruguayan sailor, arboricultorist and writer.

Family background

His father was Filip Lukšić, a Croatian 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.

Uruguayan Civil War; political associations

In his youth Lussich fought as a supporter of Aparicio Saravia, a Blanco leader in the intermittent 19th century Uruguayan Civil War.
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.

Arboretum

On 5 October 1896 he acquired 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.

Death

He died in 1928 in the city of Punta del Este.