Barreiras history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Barreiras is inextricably linked to the Rio Grande, the main tributary of the São Francisco River. The settlement began to form naturally around the river port, which served as a vital point for unloading goods and driving cattle. The official date of political emancipation is considered to be 1891, when Barreiras was separated from the municipality of Angical and granted city status, although people had lived in this area long before this event, engaging in agriculture and trade.

Key Development Factors

The transformation of a small settlement into a major regional centre was driven by several strategic factors:

• Geographical Location: The city is situated at the point where the Rio Grande ceased to be navigable for large boats, making it a natural terminus and transhipment base.
• River Navigation: Before the development of roads, the river was the main transport artery connecting the west of the state of Bahia with major centres such as Salvador (via the São Francisco River).
• Trading Hub: Barreiras became a commercial hub where goods flowed from neighbouring states, including Goiás and Piauí.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early 20th century, the city's economy experienced a significant boom due to rubber extraction (maniçoba). This period of prosperity left a noticeable mark on the architectural appearance of the historic centre: wealthy merchants built beautiful mansions in the Neoclassical style, some of which have survived to this day. The culture of early Barreiras was shaped by the traditions of the sertanejos (residents of the arid interior regions) and river traders, creating a unique atmosphere of hospitality and enterprise.

Major Milestones in the History of Barreiras

• Mid-19th Century — A settlement begins to actively form around the river port on the Rio Grande, becoming an important point for traders and cattle drivers.
• 1881 — The settlement receives the administrative status of a parish (freguesia), which was the first step towards recognising its importance in the region.
• 26 May 1891 — Barreiras officially separates from the municipality of Angical, receiving city status and political independence.
• Early 20th Century — A period of economic prosperity associated with the "rubber boom" (maniçoba extraction), attracting capital and new residents to the city.
• 1928 — Opening of an industrial complex and a hydroelectric power plant built by Geraldo Rocha, making the city one of the most technologically advanced in the state at that time.
• 1940s — Construction of the airport, which played a vital role in ensuring transport accessibility for the region, including during World War II.
• 1964 — The end of the period of river navigation as the main mode of transport due to river silting and the beginning of road network development.
• 1970s — Arrival of the 4th Engineering and Construction Battalion and the construction of the BR-242 highway, connecting western Bahia with Salvador and Brasília.
• 1980s — The beginning of the agrarian revolution: the arrival of farmers from southern Brazil and the introduction of technologies for growing soybeans in the Cerrado zone.
• 1990s — Active development of irrigation farming, turning the region into one of the country's largest grain centres.
• 2013 — Creation of the Federal University of Western Bahia (UFOB), cementing the city's status as the main educational centre of the region.
• Present Day — Barreiras has established itself as the agribusiness capital of western Bahia and a key city in the MATOPIBA economic region.

Stages of Modern Development

The development of Barreiras is the story of a river port transforming into a modern agro-industrial capital. Below are the key moments that defined the city's economic and cultural landscape:

• The Era of River Navigation (Late 19th Century).

  Significance: The Rio Grande was the only transport artery connecting the region to the coast. The port became the city-forming core, turning the settlement into a major trading hub where goods from neighbouring states converged. This formed the merchant class and the historic architecture of the centre.

• Industrial Breakthrough of Geraldo Rocha (1928).

  Significance: The construction of a hydroelectric power plant and an industrial complex (including a textile factory) brought electricity and technology to the city. This event made Barreiras one of the most advanced cities in the state of Bahia in the first half of the 20th century.

• Strategic Aviation Hub (1940s).

  Significance: The construction of the airport integrated the city into national and international logistics, especially during World War II. This stimulated the development of the service sector and hospitality industry for transit passengers and crews.

• Road Integration (1970s).

  Significance: The construction of the federal highway BR-242 and the deployment of the 4th Engineering and Construction Battalion brought the region out of isolation. The vector of development shifted from the river to road transport, connecting the city with the country's capital, Brasília, and the port of Salvador.

• Agricultural Migration (1980s).

  Significance: The arrival of farmers from southern Brazil and the adoption of soybean cultivation technologies in the Cerrado (savanna) zone radically changed the economy. The city became a magnet for investment and technology, transforming into the agribusiness capital of the MATOPIBA region.

• Urbanisation and Education (2010s – Present).

  Significance: The opening of the Federal University (UFOB) and major commercial facilities secured Barreiras' status as a service and educational centre. This led to population growth, real estate market development, and the emergence of modern urban infrastructure.

Architectural Evolution and Urban Landscape

The urban development of Barreiras is clearly divided into stages reflecting the region's economic cycles: from river trade to modern agro-industry. The city's architectural appearance is a blend of historical heritage by the river and active modern urbanisation.

Historic Centre: Eclecticism and Neoclassicism

The old part of the city, located along the embankment of the Rio Grande, preserves the memory of the "golden age" of trade and commerce (late 19th — early 20th century). The development here is dense and oriented towards the river port.

• Era: Late 19th — early 20th century.
• Style: Provincial eclecticism with elements of Neoclassicism.
• Characteristic Features: Merchant mansions (casarões) with high facades, large doorways, and decorative cornices. These houses were built right up to the sidewalk, combining residential functions with shops on the ground floors.
• Landmarks: The area of Praça Castro Alves and the embankment, where historic buildings such as the Solar dos Machados have been preserved.

Industrial Era: Utilitarian Style and Art Deco

The modernisation period of the 1920s–1940s, associated with the name of Geraldo Rocha, brought new materials and technologies to the city. Buildings from this period are distinguished by functionality and austerity.

• Era: First half of the 20th century.
• Style: Industrial architecture, Art Deco elements.
• Landmark Object: The Antigo Matadouro (Old Slaughterhouse) complex. This building is a symbol of the technical progress of that time. Today, it has been restored and functions as a Cultural Centre, preserving the original brickwork and geometric forms characteristic of early century industrial architecture.

Modern City: Modernism and Postmodernism

With the arrival of agribusiness in the 1980s, the city began to expand rapidly, moving away from the river. Modern Barreiras is characterised by vertical construction and new commercial districts.

• Era: Late 20th century — present.
• Style: Brazilian Modernism, contemporary functionalism.
• Urban Planning: The appearance of wide avenues, multi-storey residential complexes, and shopping centres. Architecture becomes more utilitarian, focused on comfort and speed of construction.
• Landmark Object: Cathedral of São João Batista. The building is designed in a modern style, combining monumentality with a unique facade decor in a Moorish-inspired spirit, making it the main architectural landmark of the centre.

Prominent Personalities of Barreiras

The history and culture of Barreiras have been shaped by individuals whose contributions went far beyond the city limits. From federal-level politicians to artists and spiritual leaders, these figures played a key role in the development of the region and brought fame to its name.

• Geraldo Rocha
  Engineer, entrepreneur, and writer (1881–1959)

  A key figure in the city's modernisation in the early 20th century. Rocha designed and built the hydroelectric power plant, bringing electricity to Barreiras, and also founded a large industrial complex and the famous slaughterhouse (now the Cultural Centre). Author of the important work "O Rio de São Francisco", he actively promoted the idea of using the river for national development.

• Antônio Balbino
  Politician, lawyer, and statesman (1912–1990)

  A native of Barreiras who reached the heights of national politics. He served as Governor of the State of Bahia (1955–1959) and was also Brazil's Minister of Health and Minister of Education. Many institutions are named after him, and he is considered one of the most influential politicians in the region's history.

• Dom Ricardo Weberberger
  First Bishop of Barreiras and social activist (1939–2010)

  An Austrian Benedictine who became the first bishop of the Diocese of Barreiras. He dedicated his life to defending human rights and supporting farmers during land conflicts. Dom Ricardo played a huge role in the development of social welfare and education in the western part of the state of Bahia.

• Saulo Fernandes
  Singer, composer, and musician (born 1977)

  One of the most famous contemporary artists of the Axé style in Brazil. Born in Barreiras, he gained national fame as the vocalist of the band "Banda Eva", and later built a successful solo career. Saulo often highlights his roots, popularising the culture of his hometown on the stage.

• Napoleão de Alencar Matos
  Historian, geographer, and writer

  A crucial researcher of Barreiras' past. His works on the history and geography of the region serve as the primary source of knowledge about the city's formation, its traditions, and its evolution from a river port to an agrarian capital. Thanks to his work, the memory of many historical events of the municipality has been preserved.