Jaguaruna history

Foundation and First Mentions

• Prehistoric Period: Long before the arrival of Europeans, the territory was inhabited by indigenous peoples who created sambaquis (giant shell mounds). Jaguaruna is known for having one of the largest concentrations of such archaeological sites in the world, testifying to the ancient settlement of the coast.
• Colonisation: Effective settlement began in 1867, when Colonel Luís Francisco Pereira received a land grant (sesmaria) and moved here with his family from Palhoça. Initially, the area was called Campo Bom ("Good Field") due to the fertility of the soil.
• Origin of the Name: The city's name comes from the Tupi-Guarani language: yaguara (jaguar) and una (black). According to legend, the first settlers saw a rare black jaguar in these parts.

Key Development Factors

• Geography and Resources: The combination of fertile land for grazing livestock and an extensive system of lagoons contributed to the development of agriculture. An abundance of fish and shellfish provided sustenance for the first inhabitants.
• Political Status: In 1891, Jaguaruna first received municipality status, separating from Tubarão. However, its administrative history was complex: the city lost and regained independence, finally establishing itself as an autonomous unit only in 1930.
• Transport Accessibility: A significant role in the region's integration was played by the construction of a section of the Donna Thereza Christina Railway (Ferrovia Donna Thereza Christina), which connected coal regions with ports and improved logistics for local goods.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

• Azorean Heritage: The city's cultural code was shaped by settlers from the Azores. This influence has been preserved in architecture, religious festivals, and fishing traditions.
• Economy: The basis of the early economy was subsistence farming. Residents engaged in cultivating cassava and producing flour (the famous local farinha), as well as cattle ranching on coastal pastures.
• Interaction with Nature: The life of the settlement was always closely linked to the dunes and the sea, which served both as a source of resources and a natural barrier that formed a distinct way of life.

Major Historical Milestones

• Pre-colonial Period: Indigenous peoples form sambaquis (giant shell mounds), which are recognised today as an important archaeological heritage of the region.
• 1867: Colonel Luís Francisco Pereira founds a settlement in the Campo Bom area, marking the beginning of modern colonisation.
• 1880: The police district of Jaguaruna is created, becoming the first step towards the administrative organisation of the territory.
• 1891: Jaguaruna receives villa (municipality) status for the first time, separating from the city of Tubarão.
• 1923: The municipality is temporarily abolished, and its lands are annexed to neighbouring Laguna.
• 1930: Final restoration of the city's political and administrative independence.
• 1952: The Catholic parish of Nossa Senhora das Dores is established, becoming the spiritual centre of the community.
• 2003: Surfers discover the "Laje da Jagua" spot, bringing the city fame in the world of extreme sports thanks to its huge waves.
• 2015: Humberto Ghizzo Bortoluzzi Regional Airport resumes commercial flights after major reconstruction, improving the region's connection with the rest of the country.

Key Stages of Development

• Administrative Independence (1930): The final separation from the municipality of Laguna was a turning point. This allowed the city to form its own budget, develop local infrastructure, and plan the construction of the central area.
• Integration into the Railway Network: The passing of the Tereza Cristina Railway (Ferrovia Tereza Cristina) through the city territory included Jaguaruna in a vital logistics chain, linking it with the coal mines of Criciúma and the port of Imbituba, which revitalised trade.
• Agricultural Specialisation: Mass cultivation of cassava and the creation of processing workshops (engenho) cemented the city's status as an important agro-industrial centre in the state of Santa Catarina, ensuring economic stability in the 20th century.
• Discovery of the "Laje da Jagua" Phenomenon (2003): The discovery by surfers of a unique reef with giant waves transformed the city's image. Jaguaruna gained worldwide fame in the field of extreme sports, which stimulated the development of the tourism sector and hotel business.
• Launch of the Regional Airport (2015): The opening of commercial flights at Humberto Ghizzo Bortoluzzi Airport became a major urban planning and economic event. The city turned into a transport hub serving the entire south of the state, attracting new investments.
• Valorisation of Archaeological Heritage: Recognition of the uniqueness of the local sambaquis (the largest shell mounds in the world) shifted the focus of cultural policy towards preserving history and developing scientific and educational tourism.

Urban Planning Features and Architectural Appearance

Jaguaruna's architectural landscape is characterised by a blend of the colonists' historical heritage and functional development dictated by the region's geography. The city is divided into two conditional zones: the historic administrative centre, located inland, and the resort villages (balneários) along the coast, the development of which began in the second half of the 20th century.

Architectural Styles and Historical Eras

• Prehistoric "Architecture" (pre-1500): A unique feature of the region is the sambaquis—monumental man-made mounds of shells created by indigenous peoples. Although not buildings in the conventional sense, they represent the oldest structured formations in this territory, reaching heights of up to 30 metres.
• Luso-Brazilian Colonial Style (late 19th – early 20th century): The legacy of Azorean settlers. It is characterised by simple single-storey houses with gable or hipped roofs, rectangular windows, and facades facing directly onto the street. This modest style can still be traced in the old residential buildings of the centre.
• Industrial Style and Eclecticism (1910s–1930s): The arrival of the railway brought elements of functional architecture. Buildings associated with railway infrastructure were built of brick using decorative elements typical of public buildings of that time.
• Modern Resort Development (from the 1970s): In coastal zones (Campo Bom, Arroio Corrente), chaotic low-rise development prevails, typical of Brazilian resorts: summer houses made of concrete and brick, focused on functionality and protection from ocean winds.

Iconic Structures and Sites

• Jaguaruna Railway Station (Estação Ferroviária): Built in the early 20th century (around 1919), the station is the city's main historical monument. It is a classic example of railway architecture in southern Brazil: a symmetrical building with a platform that played a key role in the economic development of the region.
• Church of Nossa Senhora das Dores (Igreja Matriz): The city's main Catholic temple. The building combines modern forms with a traditional layout, serving as the architectural landmark of the central square and a symbol of the community's identity.
• Humberto Ghizzo Bortoluzzi Airport: An example of modern transport architecture of the 21st century. The terminal is designed in a concise functional style, ensuring efficient passenger service and the integration of regional logistics.

Historical Figures and Founders

• Colonel Luís Francisco Pereira (Coronel Luís Francisco Pereira)
  Role: Founder and Coloniser
  A key figure in the city's history. In 1867, he received a land grant (sesmaria) in the Campo Bom area and moved there with his family, initiating the modern settlement of the territory. It was his efforts in land development that kickstarted agriculture in the region.
• Inocente Rocha
  Role: Politician and Administrator
  One of the first political leaders after the final emancipation of the municipality in 1930. He played an important role in the establishment of local authorities and the formation of the administrative structure of the independent city.

Modern Heroes and Athletes

Jaguaruna is known as the "Brazilian Nazaré" due to its giant waves, so surfers hold a special place in the pantheon of local celebrities.

• Thiago Jacaré
  Role: Professional Surfer and City Promoter
  A legend of Brazilian surfing. It was he who revealed the potential of the "Laje da Jagua" spot to the world. Thanks to his efforts and records on giant waves, the city has become an international centre for adventure tourism.
• Zeca Scheffer
  Role: Surfing Pioneer (Posthumous)
  An outstanding surfer who was one of the first to start mastering the dangerous reefs of the region. He was a pioneer of tow-in surfing at Laje da Jagua, paving the way for future generations of extreme sports enthusiasts.
• João Baiuka
  Role: Eco-activist and Local Guide
  A well-known local resident and former fisherman turned environmental defender. He is actively involved in preserving the population of Southern Right Whales (Baleia Franca) and the dunes, as well as developing eco-tourism, introducing guests to the natural riches of the region.

Regional Political Figures

• Humberto Ghizzo Bortoluzzi
  Role: Statesman
  An influential politician in the state of Santa Catarina. Although his activities covered the entire region, his name is immortalised in the name of Jaguaruna's regional airport. This highlights the significance of infrastructure projects that connected the city with the rest of the country.