A Ocupação Do Sertão De Leste Nas Minas Gerais Do Século XIX

Uma Investigação Geo-Histórica

Abstract

This study examines aspects of the occupation of a portion of Minas Gerais, formerly called Eastern Hinterlands, given its geographical position – situated on the edge of the mining region – and the pioneer fronts that reached these vast areas of forest in the 19th century. Their natural features remained preserved due to political and economic factors that have prevented the movement and the establishment of settlers in these lands. However, since 1808, conquest and clearing took place. Between 1808 and 1839, the foundations that guaranteed the entrance in the Eastern Hinterlands were established and the major obstacles were overcome, through the construction of new roads, donations of “sesmarias” and proliferation of farms and villages that gradually annihilated the vital space of the indigenous people. From 1840 until the end of the century, the occupation was intensified, the “sesmarias” donated were occupied, new lands were held in possession, the deforestation, farming and related activities expanded and an economic diversification gained expression. The coffee culture advanced on these lands, especially from 1850/60 and, later, the textile industry, steel mill and mining were definitely consolidated in the surroundings of the middle rio Doce basin.