The avenue was originally a dirt road[1] that joined the city of Lima with Magdalena Vieja, then a town separate from the city after which it was named.[5][3] It was inaugurated by then president Nicolás de Piérola during his second government.[6] With the expansion of the city in the 20th century, houses began to be built in the avenue, and a tram service started operating on its path.[3]
In January 1974, construction of an overpass began in its intersection with La Marina avenue, which concluded around June 27 of the same year. As part of these works, gates were added along a 100-metre section of the avenue, which remained until 1982 due to reportedly causing accidents. Four years later, in 1986, the avenue was made a two-way road, with trees also being added.[6]
On November 24, 2019, a truck belonging to the Norcom Corporation S.A.C (operating as Trans Norcom S.A.C.) lost its roof after impacting with the underside of the overpass at 8 a.m. Eight people were hurt in the incident, including the driver.[6]
The 14th block of the avenue was the site the Rosa de América school,[8] originally a country house of Leguía, who inaugurated the stadium of the Circolo Sportivo Italiano in 1922,[9] located behind the building. On the 15th block, a Synagogue was built in 1958,[10] located next to a Jewish school, and eventually demolished during the 1980s.
On the 22nd and 23rd blocks of the avenue, where its intersection with San Felipe Avenue is located, is the óvalo, the location of the main tribune of the annual military parade.[1] Further down the path is the "Gral. PNP Luis N. Sánchez" Central Police Hospital, inaugurated by then president Manuel Prado y Ugarteche in 1961, and the Central Military Hospital [es], inaugurated by Manuel A. Odría in 1956.[1]
