Curitibanos history

The history of the city of Curitibanos is rooted in the era of active exploration of the continent's southern interior territories. The settlement, located in the state of Santa Catarina (Brazil), emerged as an important strategic point on the map of colonial routes.

Foundation and First Mentions

The city's name literally refers to the residents of Curitiba and is directly linked to the history of its emergence. In the 18th and 19th centuries, mule drivers and cattle traders — *tropeiros* — passed through this region, heading from the southern prairies to the fairs of Sorocaba. Their regular stopping place was named "Pouso dos Curitibanos" (Resting Place of the Curitibanos). The official administrative establishment of the settlement occurred later, in 1869, when it received the status of a parish (*freguesia*).

Key Development Factors

Several factors contributed to the transformation of the temporary stop into a full-fledged city:

• Geography and Logistics: Its location in the centre of the mountain plateau at the intersection of trade routes made this place indispensable for the rest of caravans.
• Tropeirism: The movement of cattle drivers (*tropeiros*) became the main engine of the economy. The need to service travelers led to the appearance of inns, blacksmith shops, and trading stalls.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The region's early culture was formed under the strong influence of *gaucho* traditions and the pioneer lifestyle. The city's economic foundation was laid not only on transit services but also on the use of natural resources. Dense forests with Brazilian araucaria and thickets of yerba mate allowed locals to develop logging and tea harvesting, which became the basis of the region's prosperity until the beginning of the 20th century.

Major Historical Milestones

Below is a brief timeline of key events that shaped the modern appearance of the city.

• 18th Century: Formation of the "Pouso dos Curitibanos" stop on the strategic route of cattle drivers (*tropeiros*), connecting the southern prairies with markets in the central part of the colony.
• 1851: Creation of an administrative district uniting the lands of the current city and neighbouring Campos Novos, which was the first step towards autonomy.
• 1864: The settlement receives the status of a parish (*freguesia*) under the patronage of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.
• 11 June 1869: Official foundation of the municipality of Curitibanos and its administrative separation from the city of Lages.
• 1873: Installation of the first city administration and the beginning of independent political management of the territory.
• 1912: Beginning of the Contestado War — a large-scale dispute over land borders that turned the region into an arena of historical events.
• 1914: The city finds itself at the epicentre of the conflict, surviving a series of attacks and temporary destabilisation of infrastructure.
• 1916: End of hostilities and signing of the agreement establishing the borders of the state of Santa Catarina within the country of Brazil.
• 31 March 1938: Administrative status raised to the category of "city" (*cidade*) as part of state reform.
• 1950s: Period of economic flourishing driven by the development of the logging industry and araucaria processing.
• 2009: Opening of the campus of the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), which gave a powerful impulse to the development of education and science in the region.
• Present time: The city officially holds the title of "National Garlic Capital" and continues to develop as an important agro-industrial centre.

Stages of City Development and Transformation

The development of the city of Curitibanos is a journey from a strategic stop for mule drivers to an important agrarian and educational centre of the state of Santa Catarina in the country of Brazil. Each historical era brought significant changes to the economic structure and architectural appearance of the region.

• The Era of Tropeirism and the Birth of Trade. Initially emerging as "Pouso dos Curitibanos" (Resting Place of the Curitibanos), the settlement transformed from a temporary camp into a permanent trade hub. Servicing caravans moving from south to north laid the foundation for the local economy and formed the first streets along the main tract.
• Political Emancipation (1869). Separation into an independent municipality allowed the city to gain administrative independence. This event became a catalyst for creating its own governing bodies, planning urban development, and organising the first public services.
• Post-War Reconstruction (1916). During the Contestado War, the city suffered seriously and survived a severe fire. The subsequent restoration became a reset point for urban planning: the centre was rebuilt, which determined the modern street grid and the architectural look of historic quarters.
• Industrialisation Based on Forest Resources (Mid-20th Century). The period of active extraction and processing of Brazilian araucaria led to an economic boom. The appearance of sawmills contributed to a sharp population increase, the expansion of residential zones, and the development of transport infrastructure for timber export.
• Agrarian Diversification (1970s). With the depletion of forest reserves, the city successfully reoriented towards agriculture. The introduction of large-scale garlic cultivation not only saved the economy from crisis but also brought Curitibanos the title of the national "Garlic Capital," forming a new cultural and commercial brand.
• Educational Transformation (2009). The opening of the Federal University (UFSC) campus radically changed the social landscape. Transformation into a university city attracted youth, stimulated the real estate market and service sector, and raised the general cultural level of the region.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of the city of Curitibanos is a reflection of its history as an important crossroads of trade routes and a centre of the timber industry. Unlike the opulent baroque of coastal cities, a restrained and pragmatic style prevails here, characteristic of the mountain plateaus of the state of Santa Catarina. The urban fabric was formed in several stages, surviving periods of destruction and large-scale reconstruction, which created a unique fusion of tradition and modernity.

Styles and Eras

The city's appearance can be read like a history book, where each era has left its architectural mark:

• Traditional Wooden Architecture (Mid-20th Century): The heyday of logging, known as the "Araucaria Cycle," gifted the region with characteristic wooden structures. These houses, adapted to the cool climate of the highlands, are distinguished by high pitched roofs and the use of local timber. Although many have given way to stone, they remain a symbol of the region's identity.
• Administrative Modernism (1970s — 1980s): With economic growth, the city centre began to be built up with permanent structures made of concrete and brick. This period is characterised by functionalism and concise forms, prevailing in government buildings and commercial centres.
• Modern Development (21st Century): The current stage of development is characterised by mixed architecture, where new residential complexes and university buildings coexist with the historic street grid, introducing elements of global urbanism.

Landmark Buildings and Spaces

Despite its modest size, the city has objects that form its recognisable silhouette:

• Church of the Immaculate Conception (Igreja Matriz Imaculada Conceição): The main architectural dominant feature and spiritual centre. The building stands out for its monumentality and expressive geometry, rising above the central part of the city and serving as the main landmark for residents and tourists.
• Antonio Granemann de Souza Historical Museum: The museum building not only preserves the memory of the past but is itself an important element of the urban environment, reminding of the times of the municipality's formation in Brazil.
• Republic Square (Praça da República): The central public space around which the city's life is organised. This is a classic example of urban planning, where a square with a garden and places for rest unites the main administrative and religious buildings around itself.

Notable Personalities

The history of the city of Curitibanos is inextricably linked with the names of people whose actions and decisions determined the fate of this region. From revolutionaries and pioneers to religious leaders and politicians — each of them left a noticeable mark in the chronicles of the municipality and the state of Santa Catarina.

• Anita Garibaldi — Revolutionary and National Heroine.
  One of the most famous figures in the history of the country of Brazil. During the Ragamuffin War (War of the Farrapos), Anita took direct part in the Battle of Curitibanos in 1840. It was here that she was captured by imperial troops but managed to make a daring escape, which became a legendary episode in her biography.
• Frei Rogério — Franciscan Friar and Educator.
  A spiritual leader who played an important role in the early 20th century. He was known for his peacekeeping and educational activities in the region, especially during the turbulent times of the Contestado War. A neighbouring city is named after him, but the main part of his service took place specifically in the lands of Curitibanos.
• Antônio Ferreira de Brito — City Founder.
  A key figure in the establishment of the settlement. It was he who donated the plot of land for the construction of the first chapel, around which the city centre subsequently formed. His contribution is considered the starting point of the municipality's official history.
• Antônio Granemann de Souza — Politician and Public Figure.
  An outstanding mayor whose administration was marked by significant development of urban infrastructure. In recognition of his services to society, the city's Historical Museum, which is the main repository of the region's memory, bears his name.
• Ondina Maria Ferreira — Politician and Pioneer of Female Leadership.
  Entered history as the first female mayor of Curitibanos. Her election became an important precedent for the political life of the state, and her period of leadership is remembered for social initiatives and attention to education issues.
• Salomão Carneiro de Almeida — Surveyor and Coloniser.
  Played an important role in the planning and demarcation of the region's lands in the 19th century. His work contributed to the orderly settlement of the territory and the legal registration of land holdings for the first settlers.