Governador Valadares history

The city of Governador Valadares, located in the Rio Doce valley, boasts a rich history that reflects the key stages of development in the eastern part of the state of Minas Gerais. Its formation is a journey from a small settlement by the railway to a significant economic centre.

Foundation and Early Years

The history of the modern city began with the settlement of Figueira, which emerged thanks to the construction of the Vitória-Minas Railway (EFVM) in 1907. This event became a catalyst for the settlement of the region, which until then had been sparsely developed due to dense forests and the presence of indigenous peoples. The municipality was officially established on 30 January 1938 and received its current name in honour of Benedito Valadares, the state governor at the time.

Key Factors of Formation

The city's development was driven by several important factors:

• Geographical Location: Its position on the banks of the navigable Rio Doce and along the path of a strategic railway made it a vital transport and trade hub.
• Economic Resources: During the Second World War, the region gained global significance due to rich deposits of mica — a mineral essential for the military industry. This attracted investment and fostered infrastructure development.
• Gemstone Trade: After the war, the city established itself as one of the largest centres in Brazil for the trade of precious and semi-precious stones, such as topazes, amethysts, and beryls.

Cultural and Economic Features

Initially, Governador Valadares was a typical town that grew along the railway tracks, with an economy focused on agriculture and logging. The mica mining period brought American influence to the region, which was reflected in the local infrastructure. Since the 1980s, the city has become known as one of the main centres of Brazilian emigration to the USA, earning it the nickname "Governador Valadólares" due to the volume of remittances from emigrants. Today, it is a dynamic city combining the features of an important economic centre and the world capital of paragliding, thanks to Ibituruna Peak towering above it.

Key Dates in the History of Governador Valadares

The history of the city is a kaleidoscope of events, from the construction of the railway to its transformation into a global paragliding centre. Here are the main milestones of this journey:

• 1904 — Traffic began on the first section of the Vitória-Minas Railway (EFVM), providing the impetus for the development of the region and the founding of the future city.
• 1907 — Emergence of the Figueira settlement around the railway station under construction, which became the core of the future Governador Valadares.
• 30 January 1938 — The settlement received municipality status and was renamed Governador Valadares in honour of the governor of the state of Minas Gerais.
• 1940s — The city becomes a centre for mica mining, a strategically important mineral during the Second World War, causing an economic boom.
• 1950s — Following the end of the "mica rush", Governador Valadares establishes itself as an important centre for the trade of precious and semi-precious stones.
• 1980s — The beginning of mass emigration of residents to the United States, which had a significant impact on the city's economy and culture.
• 1985 — Hosting of the first national paragliding championship on Ibituruna Peak, marking the beginning of the city's development as a sports hub.
• 1994 — Governador Valadares hosts a stage of the Paragliding World Cup, definitively securing its status as the "world capital of free flight".

Stages of Urban and Cultural Growth

Beyond key economic events, the history of Governador Valadares is rich in important stages within the social and urban planning spheres. These milestones demonstrate the city's transformation from a transit point into a fully-fledged regional centre with developed infrastructure, education, and cultural life.

• Establishment as an Educational Centre: The founding of the University of Vale do Rio Doce (Univale) in 1967 was a turning point in the city's development, laying the foundation for local workforce training. Later, with the opening of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF) campus in 2012, Governador Valadares firmly established its status as a vital educational hub for the entire eastern region of Minas Gerais.
• Urban Expansion and Infrastructure: Population growth stimulated active expansion of the city beyond the historic centre. The development of new neighbourhoods (bairros) began on both banks of the Rio Doce. The construction of bridges and transport interchanges, as well as the development of utility networks, allowed for the connection of disparate parts of the city into a unified urban space and ensured its further development.
• Formation of the Cultural Environment: As the city grew, so did its cultural life. The opening of the Atiaia Municipal Theatre was a landmark event, providing residents with a venue for theatrical productions, concerts, and other cultural activities. The creation of public libraries and cultural centres contributed to the formation of local identity and the enrichment of citizens' leisure time.
• Establishment as a Regional Service Centre: In recent decades, Governador Valadares has strengthened its position as the main centre for healthcare and commerce in the Rio Doce valley. The modernisation of hospitals and commercial infrastructure attracts residents from dozens of neighbouring municipalities to the city, highlighting its modern role as the service and economic core of the region.

The architectural appearance of Governador Valadares is a direct reflection of its young history, which began in the 20th century. Unlike the ancient cities of Brazil, you will not find buildings in the Colonial Baroque, Renaissance, or Gothic styles here. The urban landscape was formed under the influence of functional needs and the architectural trends of Modernism, giving the city a contemporary and dynamic look.

Urban Foundation and Early Eclecticism (Early 20th Century)

The city grew from a settlement that emerged around the Vitória-Minas Railway. This transport artery and the Rio Doce determined the linear structure of the initial development. The first buildings were utilitarian in nature, their architecture was eclectic, combining elements of Neoclassicism and early Art Deco, which was typical for Brazilian cities of that era. The central element of this period is the railway station itself, which became a symbol of the founding of Governador Valadares.

Era of Brazilian Modernism (Mid-20th Century)

The economic boom associated with the mining of mica and gemstones in the 1940s–1960s led to active construction. During this period, features of Brazilian Modernism began to appear in the city's architecture. This style, inspired by the ideas of functionalism, relied on reinforced concrete structures, simple geometric forms, and large open spaces. The brightest example of this direction in Governador Valadares is the Cathedral of Saint Anthony of Padua (Catedral de Santo Antônio de Pádua). Its monumental structure, use of concrete, and expressive stained glass make it the main architectural symbol of the city.

Modern Development (Late 20th – 21st Century)

In recent decades, the architecture of Governador Valadares has been predominantly functional. The city has actively expanded, with new residential neighbourhoods (bairros) and commercial buildings appearing, the appearance of which is determined by modern construction technologies and materials. Urban planning development has been directed towards connecting the districts separated by the river via bridges. Today's cityscape is a panorama of a dynamic regional centre, where modern high-rise buildings stand alongside structures from the middle of the last century, reflecting all stages of its rapid growth.

Distinguished Figures Associated with the City

Governador Valadares has been the birthplace or a significant stage in life for many famous Brazilian figures. The city can take pride in its representatives in politics, sports, and culture.

• Benedito Valadares Ribeiro — Politician, Governor of the state of Minas Gerais (1933–1945). Although he was not a native of the city, it was in his honour that the settlement of Figueira was renamed in 1938. His political decision gave the city its name and municipality status, which was a key moment in its history.
• José de Lappe — The first mayor (prefeito) of Governador Valadares following its official establishment in 1938. He laid the foundations of administrative management and played a central role in the formation of the young city.
• Elisa Lispector — Brazilian writer and novelist, sister of the famous Clarice Lispector. Elisa spent part of her life in Governador Valadares, and this period was reflected in her work, adding cultural significance to the city.
• Sebastião Lazaroni — Renowned football manager. He began his career playing for the local team "Democrata" in Governador Valadares. Later, he managed the Brazilian national team, winning the Copa América in 1989, and coached numerous clubs around the world.
• Márcio Rodrigues "Magrão" — Famous Brazilian footballer, goalkeeper. Born in Governador Valadares, he became a legend of the club "Sport Recife", playing over 700 matches for them. Magrão is one of the most famous athletes hailing from this city.
• Deyverson Brum Silva Acosta — Professional footballer, forward. He is also a native of Governador Valadares. He gained widespread fame through his performances for the club "Palmeiras", with whom he won the Copa Libertadores, scoring the decisive goal in the 2021 final.
• Elias Kalil Neto — Influential local politician who served as mayor of the city. His activities were directed towards the development of urban infrastructure and social projects, leaving a noticeable mark on the modern history of Governador Valadares.