Santa Maria history

The history of Santa Maria, a city in the very heart of the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, is closely tied to its strategic geographical location. The city, which is today an important educational and commercial centre, has evolved from a military camp into one of the region's key municipalities.

The city's history begins in the late 18th century. The settlement was founded on May 17, 1797, as a camp for Portuguese and Spanish demarcation troops who were defining the borders of colonial possessions. Thanks to its location in the Jacuí River valley, this site became a convenient point for stopping and resupplying. The settlement's original name was Santa Maria da Bôca do Monte, which translates as "Saint Mary at the Mouth of the Mountain." Santa Maria received city status in 1858.

The growth and development of Santa Maria were largely determined by its geography. The city became a vital transport hub, especially following the construction of railway lines that connected it to other parts of the state and the country. This facilitated Santa Maria's transformation into a major trading centre for an agricultural region specializing in cattle breeding and grain cultivation. The status of an important transport and commercial hub has remained with the city for many years.

The economy of early Santa Maria was focused around agriculture and servicing transport flows. Railway workshops appeared in the city, as well as enterprises for processing local produce, such as breweries, tanneries, and meat processing plants. Like many other cities in southern Brazil, Santa Maria experienced the influence of European immigrants, which was reflected in its culture and architecture. Over time, the city also gained a reputation as an educational centre, which contributed to further population growth and cultural diversity.

Key Dates in the History of Santa Maria

• 1797 — Foundation of the military camp known as Santa Maria da Bôca do Monte, which served as a starting point for demarcation expeditions.
• 1828 — The beginning of the settlement of German immigrants in the region, which had a significant impact on the culture and development of the future city.
• 1857 — The settlement receives the official status of a "vila" (small town) and is administratively separated from the municipality of Caçapava do Sul.
• 1858 — On May 17, Vila de Santa Maria da Bôca do Monte receives city status (cidade), marking the beginning of its independent development.
• 1885 — Opening of the railway station, which turned Santa Maria into an important transport and logistics hub, connecting the city with Porto Alegre.
• 1920 — Completion of the process of returning railways to state management, which strengthened the city's economic significance.
• 1960 — On December 14, the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM) was founded, becoming one of the largest and most important educational institutions in Brazil.
• 1996 — Cessation of passenger rail services through the city, marking the end of an era in Santa Maria's transport history.
• 2013 — On January 27, a major tragedy occurred in the city — a fire at the "Kiss" nightclub, claiming the lives of 242 people and causing a nationwide resonance.

The history of the city of Santa Maria, located in the heart of the state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, is a journey from a strategic military post to an important educational, transport, and cultural centre of the region. Key moments in the city's development have shaped its modern appearance and economy.

Major milestones in the history of Santa Maria:

• 1797 — Foundation of the military camp. The city's history began with the creation of the Santa Maria da Bôca do Monte military camp by Portuguese and Spanish troops. Its strategic location was chosen for the demarcation of colonial borders and became the starting point for the future settlement.
• 1858 — Receiving city status. More than half a century after its founding, the settlement officially received city status, which gave impetus to its administrative and economic development.
• Late 19th Century — Construction of railways. The arrival of railway tracks was a turning point in Santa Maria's history. The city turned into one of the most important transport hubs in Brazil, connecting the central part of the state with the coast and neighbouring regions. This contributed to the rapid growth of trade and industry, including the emergence of railway workshops.
• Early 20th Century — Establishment as a military centre. Numerous military units were stationed in the city and its surroundings, including one of the largest airbases in Brazil. This strengthened its strategic importance and influenced the social and economic structure.
• 1960 — Foundation of the Federal University. The creation of the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM) transformed the city into a major educational and scientific centre. Today, the university attracts students and researchers from all over the country and abroad, contributing to cultural diversity and the development of innovation.
• 20th-21st Centuries — Diversification of the economy. Initially agrarian and transport-based, the city's economy diversified over time. Today, Santa Maria is an important centre in the fields of services, trade, education, and healthcare, while retaining its importance as a transport and military hub.

The architectural appearance of Santa Maria is a reflection of its key stages of development: from a strategic military post and railway hub to an important university and commercial centre. Several architectural eras can be traced in the city, shaping its modern look where historical buildings harmoniously coexist with modern developments.

Eclecticism of the Late 19th – Early 20th Century

This period, coinciding with the city's economic growth thanks to the railway, left behind the most iconic structures. The architecture of this time is characterized by a mix of styles, borrowing elements of Neoclassicism, Neo-Baroque, and other historical trends. Vivid examples include:

• Theatro Treze de Maio (Thirteenth of May Theatre): Opened in 1890, this theatre is one of the city's main symbols. Its façade with decorative elements and arched windows is a classic example of eclectic architecture typical of public buildings of that era in Brazil.
• Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana): Although the cathedral has been rebuilt, its current appearance bears features of eclecticism with elements of Neo-Romanesque and Neo-Gothic styles, which was popular in the construction of large religious structures in the region.

European Influence and "Railway Architecture"

The development of the railway network in the early 20th century led to the appearance of unique architectural ensembles built for the employees of foreign companies. The most famous of these is:

• Vila Belga (Belgian Village): This residential quarter was built in 1901-1907 by a Belgian railway company for its engineers and workers. The complex consists of 84 houses designed in a unified style reminiscent of European working-class settlements of that time. With characteristic façades and layouts, Vila Belga is a valuable monument of urban planning and the city's social history, directly linked to its "golden age" as a railway centre.

Modernism and Contemporary Era

From the mid-20th century, especially after the founding of the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM) in 1960, modernist architecture began to develop in the city. It is characterized by functionality, simple geometric forms, and the use of concrete and glass. The university campus became a site for buildings in this style. In subsequent decades, the urban development was supplemented by modern residential and commercial buildings, which today form the dynamic and diverse cityscape of Santa Maria.

The city of Santa Maria has gifted Brazil and the world with many talented people who have left their mark on politics, art, sports, and journalism. Here are some of the most famous personalities associated with this city:

• Oreco (Valdemar Rodrigues Martins, 1932–1985)
  Footballer, Defender
  One of the most famous athletes born in Santa Maria. Oreco was part of the legendary Brazilian national team that won the FIFA World Cup in 1958. His career is a source of pride for the city's residents.
• Edmundo Bittencourt (1866–1943)
  Journalist and Entrepreneur
  An outstanding figure in Brazilian journalism who founded the influential newspaper "Correio da Manhã" in Rio de Janeiro in 1901. His contribution to the development of the free press in the country is of historical significance.
• Roque Callage (1888–1969)
  Writer, Journalist, and Folklorist
  An important figure in the literature of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Callage is known for his works in which he explored and described the culture and traditions of the Gaúcho, making a significant contribution to regional literature.
• Luciana Genro (born 1971)
  Politician
  A well-known Brazilian politician and one of the founders of the Socialism and Liberty Party (PSOL). She was a federal deputy and a candidate for the presidency of Brazil in 2014, becoming a prominent figure on the national political stage.
• Manuela do Monte (born 1984)
  Actress
  A popular Brazilian actress known for her roles in numerous telenovelas and series, including the famous youth series "Malhação". She began her career in the theatre of Santa Maria.
• Bianca Castanho (born 1979)
  Actress
  Another famous actress hailing from Santa Maria. She has starred in many successful telenovelas on channels such as TV Globo and SBT, gaining popularity throughout Brazil.