History of Paragominas

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the city of Paragominas began relatively recently, in the mid-20th century. Its emergence is inextricably linked to the massive construction project of the Belém-Brasília highway (BR-010), designed to connect the north of the country with the new capital. The actual beginning of the settlement's history is considered to be 1959, when an expedition led by Célio Miranda selected the site for the city's foundation. Official status as an independent municipality was granted several years later, on January 23, 1965.

Key Factors of Formation

The development of the city was determined by strategic and demographic reasons that shaped its unique character:

• Transport Accessibility: The city was conceived as an important stronghold on the new federal highway, which ensured a rapid influx of population and goods.
• Unique Etymology: The city's name symbolizes the unity of the settlers. It is composed of the names of the three states from which the majority of the first inhabitants arrived: Para (Pará), Go (Goiás), and Minas (Minas Gerais).
• Land Resources: The availability of fertile land and forest resources in the state of Pará attracted entrepreneurs looking for new business development opportunities.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the first decades of its existence, the region's economy was built primarily on logging and the wood processing industry. This turned the city into a dynamic but harsh frontier, where people flocked from all over Brazil in search of work and a better life. The cultural environment was formed as a "melting pot," where the traditions of the indigenous population of the north mixed with the customs of migrants from the central and southern regions of the country, creating a special, enterprising community.

Major Development Milestones

The history of the city is a journey from a small settlement of loggers to an example of environmental responsibility. Below are the key dates that shaped the modern appearance of the region.

• 1959 — Foundation of the settlement by an expedition led by Célio Miranda during the construction of the strategic Belém—Brasília highway.
• 1965 — Paragominas receives official status as an independent municipality, administratively separating from São Domingos do Capim.
• 1970s — 1980s — A period of rapid economic growth based on intensive logging and an influx of migrants from across the country.
• 2007 — The beginning of industrial exploitation of large bauxite deposits, which became an important stage in the diversification of the local economy.
• 2008 — The city is placed on the list of municipalities with critical levels of deforestation, becoming a turning point in the region's history.
• 2008 (March) — Launch of the "Green Municipality" (Município Verde) initiative and the signing of a pact to end illegal deforestation.
• 2010 — Brazil officially removes the city from the list of environmentally distressed regions thanks to successful reforms.
• 2012 — Receipt of international recognition and awards for the successful transformation from a logging centre into a model of sustainable development in the Amazon.
• 2014 — Opening of the Ademar Monteiro Ecological Park, which became a popular recreation spot and a symbol of a new attitude towards nature.
• Present time — The city strengthens its position as a centre for modern agriculture and the mining industry, complying with environmental standards.

Eras of Transformation: From Sawmills to Eco-City

The development of the city of Paragominas is a unique example of how an industrial centre can rethink its existence for the sake of preserving nature and improving the quality of life. The main stages of the city's formation demonstrate the transition from predatory resource use to a sustainable economy.

• Construction of the Belém—Brasília Highway. A fundamental stage that defined the logistical importance of the city. Thanks to the highway, the settlement became a key transport hub connecting the northern regions with the centre of the country, which ensured the initial influx of capital and workforce.
• The "Jungle Gold" Era. In the 1970s and 80s, the city experienced a logging boom. Hundreds of sawmills provided rapid economic growth, turning the region into one of the largest wood processing centres in Brazil. This time shaped the industrial character of the city, although it caused serious damage to the environment.
• The "Green" Turn (Município Verde). The reaction to the environmental crisis of 2008 became the main milestone in modern history. Signing a pact against illegal deforestation and implementing strict satellite monitoring allowed the city to become the first model of sustainable development in the Amazon, completely changing its image on the international stage.
• Industrialization and Bauxite Mining. The beginning of the development of bauxite deposits (raw material for aluminium production) allowed for the diversification of the economy. This reduced critical dependence on the forestry sector and brought large investments in infrastructure and social projects through partnerships with mining giants.
• Modernization of Agribusiness. Transition from extensive cattle ranching to high-tech agriculture. The introduction of modern farming methods, crop rotation, and reforestation has made the region attractive to agricultural investors who comply with environmental standards.
• Urban Reform. Transformation of the urban environment for the comfort of residents. The creation of recreational zones, such as the park around Lake Lago Verde, and the improvement of public spaces have turned the former workers' settlement into a cosy city, attractive for living and eco-tourism.

Urban Planning Concept and the Influence of Modernism

The architectural appearance of the city of Paragominas was formed in the second half of the 20th century, so you will not find traces of the colonial era, Baroque, or Classicism here. The city is a vivid example of urban planning from the era of Modernism and Brazilian developmentalism. The layout, established at the foundation, relies on a rational grid of streets and wide avenues, which was characteristic of new settlements created during the period of active development of the country's interior territories.

Evolution of Construction: From Temporary to Permanent

The development of urban architecture is closely linked to the economic stages of the region's life:

• Period of "Wooden Architecture" (1960s–1970s): In the first decades, when the city was a centre for logging, wood served as the main building material. Residential houses and public buildings were erected in a utilitarian style characteristic of the pioneer cities of the Amazon.
• Modern Functional Development: As the economy strengthened, wood gave way to concrete and brick. Modern residential and commercial architecture is executed in a restrained, functional style typical of provincial Brazil. Buildings are distinguished by simple forms and practicality, adapted to the hot climate.

Iconic Objects and Eco-Urbanism

In the 21st century, the urban planning emphasis shifted from industrial development to creating a high-quality public environment. The modern look of the city is defined by projects combining architecture with landscape design.

• Lago Verde Ecological Park (Lago Verde): The main architectural and landscape dominant feature of the city. A modern recreational zone has been formed around the artificial lake, becoming a symbol of the city's transformation into a "Green Municipality."
• City Portal (Pórtico): A monumental entrance group executed in a modern style. The structure serves as the city's calling card, emphasizing its openness and status.
• Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Igreja Matriz): An example of modern religious architecture, where strict geometric lines and concise volumes are used instead of traditional opulence.

Outstanding Personalities in the City's History

The history of the city of Paragominas is a chronicle of bold decisions and hard work. Behind the municipality's short but eventful past stand specific people: from pioneers forging paths in the jungle to politicians who turned a workers' settlement into a model of sustainable development on the scale of all Brazil.

• Célio Resende de Miranda
  City founder, entrepreneur.
  The main figure in the history of the municipality. It was he who, in 1958, chose the site for the future settlement and secured the support of President Juscelino Kubitschek. Célio Miranda personally led the expedition to create the city and implemented a unique urban plan, adapting the project of the famous urbanist Lúcio Costa.
• Adnan Demachki
  Mayor (2005–2012), lawyer, statesman.
  A politician who played a key role in the modern history of the region. He is the author and initiator of the "Green Municipality" (Município Verde) project, which allowed the city to exit the list of the Amazon's main destroyers and become an international example of environmental responsibility.
• Ariston Alves da Silva
  Pioneer (desbravador), farmer.
  One of the first settlers who arrived in the region even before the official founding of the city, in 1958. He crossed the Capim River and established the first rice plantations, proving the agricultural potential of these lands for future colonists.
• Amílcar Batista Tocantins
  First Administrator (Mayor).
  The first administrator of the municipality, appointed by the state governor in 1965 immediately after the city received official status. His task was to form the first authorities and organize basic urban infrastructure.
• Jofre Mozart Parada
  Geologist.
  The man who defined the external appearance of the city. Working in the country's new capital, he passed on to Célio Miranda the blueprints of an urban project developed by the famous architect Lúcio Costa (author of the plan for Brasília). Thanks to him, Paragominas received its unique layout.
• Dom Eliseu Coroli
  Bishop, religious figure.
  An outstanding clergyman who blessed the founding of the city. In January 1961, he held a solemn mass at the first cross and laid the spiritual foundation of the community, actively participating in the social life of the region.
• Sidney Rosa
  Politician, Mayor, Deputy.
  A prominent political figure who managed the city during its period of active economic growth. His administration facilitated the attraction of investments and the transition from simple resource extraction to more complex forms of economic management.