Porto Velho history

The history of Porto Velho, the capital of the state of Rondônia, is inextricably linked to one of the most ambitious projects of the early 20th century in Brazil — the construction of the Madeira-Mamoré Railway. Although October 2, 1914, is considered the official date of the city's founding, a settlement emerged on this site as early as 1907 as a camp for workers. Its location on the banks of the Madeira River made it a strategic point for the realisation of this grand engineering concept.

The key factor in the establishment of Porto Velho was precisely the Madeira-Mamoré Railway (1907-1912). Its purpose was to bypass the impassable rapids on the river and ensure the export of rubber from Bolivia and the interior regions of the Amazon to Atlantic ports. This attracted thousands of workers from various nations to the region, including from Caribbean countries, which laid the foundation for the city's multicultural character. The economy of early Porto Velho was entirely dependent on the "rubber boom" and the operation of the railway.

Following the completion of construction and the subsequent decline of the rubber boom, the city's economy experienced a downturn. However, its geographical position and established infrastructure allowed it to survive. A new impetus for the development of Porto Velho was provided in 1943 when it was granted the status of capital of the Federal Territory of Guaporé, which was later transformed into the state of Rondônia. In the mid-20th century, the discovery of deposits of cassiterite (tin ore) and gold, as well as the development of agriculture, contributed to a new influx of migrants and the further growth of the city.

Key Dates

The history of Porto Velho is a chronicle of the exploration of the Amazon, closely intertwined with the construction of the famous Madeira-Mamoré Railway.

• 1907 — A workers' settlement is founded for the builders of the Madeira-Mamoré Railway, serving as the nucleus for the future city.
• 1912 — Traffic on the Madeira-Mamoré Railway is officially opened, becoming a decisive factor for the region's development.
• October 2, 1914 — Porto Velho officially receives city status, cementing its role as a significant logistics centre.
• 1943 — The settlement receives municipality status and becomes the capital of the newly created Federal Territory of Guaporé.
• 1956 — The Federal Territory of Guaporé is renamed the Federal Territory of Rondônia, and Porto Velho retains its capital status.
• 1972 — The Madeira-Mamoré Railway is officially closed for commercial use, causing an economic downturn.
• January 4, 1982 — The Federal Territory of Rondônia is transformed into a state, and Porto Velho becomes its official capital.
• 2011-2016 — Construction and launch of the "Santo Antônio" and "Jirau" hydroelectric power plants on the Madeira River, giving a new impulse to the economic development of the city and region.

Major Milestones in the Development of Porto Velho

The development of Porto Velho occurred cyclically, influenced by major economic and infrastructural projects that radically changed the appearance and structure of the city. Each stage left a deep imprint on its history, economy, and demographics.

• Foundation during the "Rubber Boom" Era (1907–1914): The city emerged as a labour camp during the construction of the Madeira-Mamoré Railway — a project designed to facilitate rubber exports. This period defined Porto Velho's initial function as a transport hub and formed its multicultural composition due to the influx of workers from around the world.
• Territory Capital Status (1943): Its transformation into the administrative centre of the Federal Territory of Guaporé (later Rondônia) was a turning point. The city ceased to be merely an industrial enclave and began to develop as a political and administrative centre, attracting civil servants and fostering infrastructure growth.
• The "Tin Cycle" and Agrarian Colonisation (1950–1970s): After the decline of the rubber boom, the economy received a new boost thanks to the discovery of rich deposits of cassiterite (tin ore). Porto Velho became the centre of a tin-mining district. Concurrently, the government stimulated the settlement of the region, leading to rapid population growth and agricultural development.
• Transformation into a State Capital (1982): Gaining the status of capital of the full-fledged state of Rondônia secured Porto Velho's leading role in the region. This contributed to further urbanisation, the opening of a university, and the expansion of the service sector.
• Construction of HPPs on the Madeira River (2008–2016): The implementation of mega-projects for the construction of the "Santo Antônio" and "Jirau" hydroelectric power plants triggered a new economic and demographic boom. This attracted tens of thousands of new residents, huge investments, and forever changed the energy landscape of the Amazon, turning the city into a strategic energy hub.
• Modern Logistics and Service Hub (21st Century): Today, Porto Velho is the key economic centre of the state, combining the functions of a river port, administrative capital, and service centre for the vast agricultural and industrial territories of Rondônia.

The architecture of Porto Velho is not a history of centuries-old styles like Gothic or Renaissance, but a living reflection of the turbulent economic cycles of a city founded in the early 20th century. Its appearance was shaped by the utilitarian needs of the "rubber boom," subsequent administrative growth, and modern urbanisation.

Railway Heritage: Early 20th Century

The urban development of Porto Velho began with the construction of the Madeira-Mamoré Railway (1907-1912). The first structures were strictly functional, reflecting the industrial and engineering style of that time. Buildings were erected by American and British specialists who introduced elements of colonial architecture adapted to the tropical climate: the use of wood, metal, and simple structural solutions. Iconic objects of this era include the railway station complex, workshops, and the famous three water towers "As Três Caixas D'Água", which have become the unofficial symbol of the city.

Administrative Centre: Mid-20th Century

With the acquisition of the status of federal territory capital in 1943, the architectural appearance of the city began to change. Monumental public buildings appeared, designed to emphasise the new status. Vivid examples of this period are:

• Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Catedral Sagrado Coração de Jesus): Its construction began in 1927, and it acquired its final form by the middle of the century. The cathedral combines elements of Classical and Romanesque styles, making it one of the most important architectural monuments of the city.
• Palace of President Vargas (Palácio Presidente Vargas): Built between 1948 and 1954, this palace served as the seat of government. Its style can be described as Modernist with Neoclassical elements, designed to convey a sense of authority and significance.

Modern Stage: Late 20th Century to Present

The rapid growth of the city, associated first with the "tin cycle" and then with the construction of large hydroelectric plants on the Madeira River, led to rapid and sometimes chaotic development. The modern architecture of Porto Velho is predominantly functional in character. These are typical residential buildings, shopping centres, and office buildings made of concrete and glass, characteristic of many fast-growing Brazilian cities. In this period, the main focus was not on aesthetics, but on the speed of construction and practicality, which formed a modern, eclectic, and dynamic urban landscape.

Distinguished Figures in the History of Porto Velho

The history of Porto Velho, emerging in the very heart of the Amazon, is closely connected with the names of explorers, engineers, politicians, and cultural figures who contributed to the establishment and development of the city.

• Cândido Rondon — A military engineer, explorer, and humanist. Although he was not a resident of the city, his name is inextricably linked to this region. Rondon led the laying of telegraph lines through the Amazon in the early 20th century, explored local territories, and advocated for the protection of indigenous peoples. The state of Rondônia, of which Porto Velho is the capital, is named in his honour.
• Percival Farquhar — An American entrepreneur and a key figure in the founding of the city. It was his company that undertook the grandiose project of building the Madeira-Mamoré Railway, around which the workers' settlement grew, eventually becoming Porto Velho. He is considered one of the "founding fathers" of the city.
• Aluízio Ferreira — A politician and the first governor of the Federal Territory of Guaporé (later renamed Rondônia). He played a crucial role in the administrative establishment of the region and the transformation of Porto Velho from a workers' settlement into a full-fledged capital.
• Dom João Batista Costa — The first bishop of Porto Velho. His activities were aimed at the spiritual and social development of the young city. He founded the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which remains one of the main architectural and religious symbols of the capital today.
• Manoel Rodrigues Ferreira — A writer and historian who dedicated many of his works to studying the "rubber saga" and the construction of the Madeira-Mamoré Railway. His books, particularly "A Ferrovia do Diabo" ("The Devil's Railway"), helped preserve and popularise the unique history of Porto Velho and the entire region.
• Jorge Teixeira de Oliveira — A military officer and politician, the last governor of the territory and the first governor of the state of Rondônia. His tenure coincided with a period of rapid population and economic growth, and he made a significant contribution to the integration of the region into the national space of Brazil.