Salinas history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the city of Salinas dates back to the first half of the 19th century. The territory where the modern city is located was settled during the exploration of the interior regions of the state of Minas Gerais. The settlement received its name thanks to the rock salt deposits discovered by pioneers on the banks of the Salinas River. Official city status was granted to the settlement in 1880, marking a new stage in its administrative development.

Key Factors of Establishment

The formation of the city as a significant regional centre was driven by a number of geographical and economic reasons:

• Natural Resources: The presence of salt deposits (salinas) was the primary incentive for attracting settlers and traders to this area.
• Geography: Its location in the Jequitinhonha Valley made the city an important point on the communication routes between the north and south of the region.
• Agriculture: The fertile soils of the river valleys allowed for the development of farming, despite the arid climate of the surrounding area.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of the early period was based on cattle ranching and cotton cultivation; however, the production of sugar cane played a key role in the city's history. Brazil is renowned for its traditions in making distilled beverages, and it was here, thanks to the unique microclimate, that the culture of producing high-quality artisanal cachaça emerged. Local distillation methods and aging in wooden barrels were passed down from generation to generation, becoming the region's hallmark and the foundation of its cultural identity.

Major Milestones in the City's History

• 1698: Bandeirante Antônio Luís dos Passos explores the region and discovers rock salt deposits, which determined the name of the future city of Salinas.
• 1734: Issuance of the first sesmaria (land grant) in this area, marking the beginning of official colonisation and settlement.
• 1790: Formation of the permanent settlement of Santo Antônio de Salinas around salt mining operations and cattle farms.
• 1833: The settlement receives the status of a district (distrito), administratively subordinate to the municipality of Rio Pardo de Minas.
• 1880: Official proclamation of emancipation and creation of an independent municipality on December 18.
• 1883: Installation of the first City Council, marking the beginning of the city's political autonomy.
• 1887: Elevation of the settlement's administrative status to the category of city (cidade).
• 1923: Official renaming of the municipality, establishing the modern short name Salinas.
• 1943: Start of production of the legendary Havana cachaça brand, which became a symbol of quality for the entire region.
• 2002: Organisation of the first World Cachaça Festival, which consolidated the city's status as an important tourism hub.
• 2012: Receipt of the Geographical Indication (IG) seal for local cachaça, confirming its uniqueness on the scale of all Brazil.
• 2012: Grand opening of the Museum of Cachaça, dedicated to the history and production traditions of the national beverage.

Development Stages and Key Transformations

The history of the formation of the modern appearance of Salinas is inextricably linked to the evolution of its economy and cultural status. Several key milestones can be highlighted that played a decisive role in the life of the municipality:

• Administrative Emancipation (1880). Gaining the status of an independent municipality was the starting point for urbanisation. This allowed for the creation of local governing bodies, the commencement of urban planning, and the management of the local budget for the needs of the population.
• Rise of the Cachaça Industry (Mid-20th Century). The emergence of legendary brands, such as Havana, transformed the city's economy. Salinas transitioned from simple agriculture to the production of a high value-added product, securing a reputation as a producer of elite beverages.
• Opening of the Agrotechnical School (1985). The creation of an educational institution, which later became a campus of the Federal Institute (IFNMG), was a crucial social and urban planning change. It provided the city with qualified personnel, attracted youth, and stimulated the development of educational infrastructure.
• Establishment of the Cachaça Festival (2002). The launch of the annual festival marked the beginning of the era of event tourism. This event gave impetus to the development of the hotel business, restaurants, and the service sector, diversifying the income of the citizens.
• Construction of the Museum of Cachaça (2012). The opening of the large-scale museum complex was a significant cultural and architectural contribution to the urban environment. The museum turned the production tradition into an official cultural heritage site, attracting tourists year-round.
• Assignment of Geographical Indication (2012). Obtaining the IG (Indicação Geográfica) seal was the main economic victory of recent years. This status protected local producers at the national level and opened doors for export, strengthening the economic security of the region.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Environment

The architecture of Salinas reflects its historical journey from a small settlement of prospectors and farmers to the world capital of cachaça. Unlike the famous Baroque cities of the state of Minas Gerais, built in the 18th century, Salinas began to develop actively later, so its appearance is characterised by greater restraint and eclecticism. The urban structure is typical for the Brazilian interior: city life is concentrated around central squares and the main church.

Eras and Styles

In the urban development, several key stages can be traced, each leaving its mark on the architecture:

• Late Colonial Style and Eclecticism (Late 19th – Early 20th Century). The period of the municipality's formation is characterised by the construction of one- and two-story mansions (casarões). These buildings feature high windows, tiled roofs, and simple yet elegant facades. They belonged to the first wealthy families who developed production and trade.
• Modernism and Functionalism (Mid-20th Century). As the economy and population grew, the city expanded. During this period, Brazil experienced a boom in concrete architecture, which was reflected in the construction of administrative and commercial buildings with an emphasis on practicality and simple geometric forms.
• Contemporary Architecture (21st Century). The newest stage of development is connected with the city's positioning as a tourism and cultural destination. Buildings are appearing that combine modern materials with regional identity.

Iconic Structures and Districts

Several objects form the recognisable silhouette of the city and serve as landmarks for travellers:

• Museum of Cachaça (Museu da Cachaça). The most striking example of modern architecture in the city. This is a large-scale complex, opened in 2012, which has become the architectural dominant of the region. The building is designed according to museum standards, features spacious halls and landscaped grounds, symbolising the city's transition into a new era of cultural tourism.
• Church of Saint Anthony (Igreja Matriz de Santo Antônio). The spiritual centre of the city and a classic example of religious architecture in the state's interior. The building, located on the main square, is executed in a restrained style with elements of Neogothic and Eclecticism, characteristic of provincial temples of the early 20th century.
• Historic Mansions of the Centre. In the central part of the city, old residential houses have been preserved, with facades facing directly onto the street. These structures create a cosy atmosphere of the past and recall the times of the "colonels" and the first major producers of cane distillate.
• Praça dos Notáveis (Square of Notables). An important public space combining recreation zones and monuments dedicated to outstanding residents of the city. This is an example of how the urban environment adapts to preserve historical memory.

Prominent Historical Figures

The history of Salinas is rich with the names of people whose efforts and talents turned a small settlement into a thriving regional centre. From pioneers of the colonial era to the creators of the modern economy, each of them made a unique contribution to the development of the municipality.

• Antônio Luís dos Passos
  Role: Bandeirante, explorer
  Considered a key figure in the city's foundation. In the late 17th century, while exploring the interior territories, he discovered deposits of rock salt (sal-gema) on the banks of the local river. This discovery not only gave the future city its name but also attracted the first permanent settlers, initiating the economic development of the region.
• Idalino Ribeiro
  Role: Political leader, administrator
  One of the most influential figures in the political history of the city in the first half of the 20th century. Known as "Colonel Idalino," he determined the municipality's development vector for decades. With his participation, critical infrastructure facilities were built, including bridges and roads connecting the city with the rest of the state, which gave a powerful boost to trade.
• Anísio Santiago
  Role: Entrepreneur, cachaça producer
  A legendary man whose name became synonymous with quality Brazilian cachaça. Founder of the Havana brand, he developed unique standards for the production and aging of the beverage. Thanks to his work, Brazil gained a premium-class product, and the city earned the honorary title of "World Capital of Cachaça."
• Manoel Pedro Silva
  Role: Land development pioneer, public figure
  Also known as Manoel Baiano, he played a decisive role in the development of rural areas, particularly the Nova Matrona district. Through his efforts, schools and temples were built, and the social infrastructure of remote settlements was formed, contributing to the integration of rural residents into the public life of the municipality.
• Dr. Péricles Ferreira dos Anjos
  Role: Physician, Mayor
  An outstanding medical professional and politician of the second half of the 20th century. While serving as mayor, he focused on modernising the urban environment: under his leadership, the network of educational institutions was significantly expanded, and rural electrification was carried out, which radically improved the quality of life for the population.
• Darcy Freire
  Role: Engineer, writer
  An intellectual and man of letters who captured the history and daily life of his native land in his works. As an engineer, he participated in the technical development of the region, and as a writer, he preserved the cultural heritage and traditions of the local society for future generations, becoming one of the city's main chroniclers.