History of Maraba

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the city of Maraba, located in the Brazilian state of Pará, is inextricably linked to the exploration of the Amazon basin. Although the official date of foundation is considered to be 5 April 1913, the first settlements in this area appeared much earlier. A key role in the city's emergence was played by its strategic location at the confluence of two major rivers — the Tocantins and the Itacaiunas — which made it a vital transit point for traders and settlers.

Key Factors of Development

The development of Maraba was driven by several important factors. Initially, it was a small settlement, with life revolving around the extraction and trade of the region's valuable resources.

• Geographical Location: The confluence of the Tocantins and Itacaiunas rivers turned Maraba into a natural logistics hub for river transport, which was the primary mode of travel in the region.
• Economic Resources: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the main engine of the local economy became the harvesting and export of the Brazil nut (castanha-do-pará). This industry attracted many migrants to the region.
• Political Status: Obtaining municipality status in 1913 gave impetus to administrative and social development, the formation of local government bodies, and infrastructure.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the first decades of its existence, Maraba was a typical "pioneer" city. Its economy depended entirely on the harvest cycles of the Brazil nut. Society was multi-ethnic, consisting of indigenous people, descendants of Portuguese colonisers, and waves of migrants from other regions of Brazil attracted by work opportunities. Cultural life was shaped by the influence of these diverse groups, creating a unique local character that persists to this day.

Key Dates in Maraba's History

The history of Maraba is a kaleidoscope of vivid events, ranging from a modest trading post to an important industrial centre on the Amazonian frontier. The city has survived several economic cycles, witnessing rapid growth and radical changes.

• 1898 — Merchant Francisco Coelho founds the "Casa Marabá" trading post at the confluence of the Tocantins and Itacaiunas rivers, giving the future city its name and beginning.
• 5 April 1913 — Official establishment of the municipality of Maraba, consolidating its legal status and marking the start of administrative development.
• 1920s – 1940s — The era of the "Brazil Nut Cycle", when the city's economy depended entirely on the extraction and export of this resource, attracting numerous migrants to the region.
• 1970s — Construction of the Trans-Amazonian Highway, which passed through the region and integrated Maraba into the national transport network, accelerating its growth.
• 1972–1974 — The region becomes the stage for an armed conflict known as the "Araguaia Guerrilla War" (Guerrilha do Araguaia), leading to a significant military presence in the city.
• 1980 — The discovery of a gold deposit in nearby Serra Pelada sparked the largest gold rush in modern history, turning Maraba into the main supply centre for tens of thousands of prospectors.
• 1985 — Launch of the Carajás Railway, linking mines to the seaport, which provided a powerful impulse for the development of the metallurgical industry in Maraba.
• 1990s — Following the depletion of surface gold deposits in Serra Pelada, the city's economy reoriented towards industry, specifically steel and pig iron production.
• 11 December 2011 — A referendum was held on dividing the state of Pará, in which Maraba was proposed as the capital of the new state of Carajás; however, the majority of residents voted against this initiative.

Stages of Transformation: From River Post to Industrial Hub

The development of the city of Maraba is a striking example of how economic cycles and strategic projects can radically change the destiny of a settlement. Each stage has left a deep mark on the urban landscape, economy, and culture.

• Brazil Nut Economy (Early 20th Century): The city's initial growth was based entirely on the harvesting and export of Brazil nuts. This trade shaped river logistics and attracted the first migrants, laying the foundations for a multi-ethnic community.
• Construction of the Trans-Amazonian Highway (1970s): The laying of the highway was a revolution for the isolated city. Maraba gained a land connection with the rest of Brazil, which stimulated population influx, accelerated urbanisation, and diversified the economy, reducing dependence on river transport.
• Araguaia Guerrilla War (1972-1974): Although this was a period of conflict, it led to a significant increase in military presence and the construction of infrastructure for army needs. This indirectly contributed to the city's development, as roads and an airfield were built, which were later used for civilian purposes.
• Gold Rush in Serra Pelada (1980s): The discovery of the world's largest open-pit gold mine nearby turned Maraba into a major logistics and transit hub for tens of thousands of prospectors (garimpeiros). This caused a demographic explosion and chaotic growth of the outskirts, but also led to a colossal influx of money and the development of the service sector.
• "Grande Carajás" Project and Railway (from 1985): The launch of the railway connecting the world's largest iron ore deposit, Carajás, with the seaport was a turning point. Maraba, located along this route, transformed into a centre for the metallurgical industry. This created thousands of jobs and laid the foundation for the city's modern industrial economy.
• Establishment of the Metallurgical Cluster (1990s — Present): After the gold rush faded, metallurgy became the new engine of the economy. Pig iron and steel plants were built in the city and its surroundings, ensuring stable economic growth and strengthening Maraba's status as one of the key industrial centres of the state of Pará.
• Political Self-Determination (2011): The holding of a referendum on creating a new state of Carajás with its capital in Maraba, although unsuccessful, demonstrated the city's economic and political significance, as well as the ambitions of its residents for regional leadership.

Pragmatism and Growth: The Architectural Look of Maraba

The architecture of Maraba is not a story of shifting grand styles like Gothic or Baroque. As a city founded only in 1913, its appearance was shaped by the influence of turbulent economic cycles and rapid growth, rather than a planned adherence to architectural canons. In Maraba's urban planning, pragmatism and functionality have always prevailed over aesthetics, creating a unique and eclectic urban landscape.

Stages of Urban Space Formation

The development of the city can be roughly divided into several key architectural and urban planning periods:

• Early 20th Century (Brazil Nut Era): The first structures in the historical core, known as Marabá Pioneira, were predominantly wooden and utilitarian in nature. These were trade warehouses, houses on stilts for flood protection, and simple dwellings typical of settlements on the banks of Amazonian rivers. The architecture of this period was entirely subordinate to the function of a river port and trading post.
• 1970s (Trans-Amazonian Highway Era): Road construction brought new materials and approaches. Buildings made of concrete began to appear in the city, executed in the spirit of Brazilian modernism — with simple geometric forms and without excessive decoration. During this period, the first administrative buildings and infrastructure facilities were built, cementing Maraba's status as a regional centre.
• 1980s (Gold Rush): This period is characterised by chaotic and explosive growth. The influx of tens of thousands of prospectors led to the spontaneous emergence of new districts on the outskirts with informal housing. The urban structure became sharply more complex, and the consequences of this uncontrolled expansion are still visible today. At the same time, more modern commercial buildings began to appear in the centre.
• Late 20th – Early 21st Century (Industrial Boom): With the development of the metallurgical industry, large industrial zones formed in Maraba. The architecture of this period primarily consists of functional factory complexes and warehouses. In parallel, there is the development of modern residential quarters and shopping centres, which contrast with the older districts and informal settlements.

Iconic Districts and Modern Appearance

Today, the architectural appearance of Maraba is a mosaic. The historical centre, Marabá Pioneira, at the confluence of the rivers preserves echoes of the pioneer past. The Cidade Nova (New City) district, which emerged as a more modern and planned part of the city, is its commercial and administrative heart. The city's look is defined not so much by individual iconic buildings, but by the contrast between its various parts, each of which is a living testimony to a specific stage in Maraba's turbulent history.

Distinguished Figures of Maraba

The history and culture of the city of Maraba have been shaped by the contributions of many brilliant individuals. From founders and political leaders to writers and artists, these people have left an indelible mark on the city's development.

• Francisco Coelho da Silva (1846–1906) — A merchant and pioneer who is considered the founder of Maraba. In 1898, he established the "Casa Marabá" trading post at the confluence of the Tocantins and Itacaiunas rivers, giving the future city its name and initiating its development.
• Nagib Mutran (1904–?) — A politician and former mayor of the city, whose name became synonymous with progress for Maraba in the mid-20th century. During his administration in the late 1950s, he initiated large-scale improvement projects, including the paving of the first streets and the development of electricity, education, and healthcare systems, for which he is still considered one of the most significant mayors in the city's history.
• Ademir Braz (1947–2022) — A Maraba native, renowned writer, poet, journalist, and lawyer. He was an important figure in the cultural life of the region, the author of several poetry collections, and a member of the Academy of Letters of the South and Southeast of Pará. His work was dedicated to reflecting on life in the Amazon.
• Airton Faleiro (born 1959) — A prominent political and social figure whose career is inextricably linked to defending the interests of the Maraba region. As a leader of trade union and social movements, he advocated for the sustainable development of the Amazon. He was repeatedly elected as a state deputy and subsequently as a federal deputy for the state of Pará, representing the region at the national level.
• Manoel Nunes dos Reis (born 1955) — Known as "Mestre dos Reis" (Master Reis), he is an iconic figure in the cultural life of Maraba. He has distinguished himself as a folklorist, writer, artisan, and composer, making a huge contribution to the preservation and popularisation of local traditions and folk art.
• Aldemira Aguiar (born 1945) — A writer and poet who has lived in Maraba for nearly 50 years and made a significant contribution to the city's literary life. The author of several books, including poetry and works for children, she is a member of various literary academies and has been awarded the title of "Honorary Citizen of Maraba" for her cultural activities.