Didn’t this West Zone neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro get its unusual name from someone important? It did. Magalhães Bastos is named after Lieutenant Colonel Antônio Leite de Magalhães Bastos. He was born in Palmares in Pernambuco. That was on September 2 1873.
Let’s explore Magalhães Bastos’s story. In 1907, Magalhães Bastos became a member of the installation committee of Vila Militar. His mission involved constructing barracks and residences. He also had to build the railway and stations in the region. General Alberto Cardoso de Aguiar praised his intelligence on September 28 1919. He also lauded his loyalty, technical skills and urban planning abilities. On November 6 1919, he assumed command of the 1st Engineering Battalion. This battalion was located in Realengo. It was in an old, ruined building facing a swamp. The building was illuminated by electric energy. Sadly Magalhães Bastos passed away on August 27 1920.
Before it was Magalhães Bastos this area was known as Fazenda das Mangueiras. Later, it was called Vila São José. Only after World War II did the neighborhood become Magalhães Bastos. This was in honor of Lieutenant Colonel Antônio Leite de Magalhães Bastos.
Manoel Guina was a key figure in the foundation of Magalhães Bastos. He was a Portuguese master builder. Guina came from São Paulo to work on the Vila Militar construction. Marshal Hermes ordered this project. Guina decided to settle here because there was a shortage of skilled labor in Rio de Janeiro. The construction was essential for transporting military equipment.
Guina was very religious. He founded the São José Conference. Later, army sergeant Sebastião Tumine replaced him. Back then few priests served Magalhães Bastos. Padre Miguel from Realengo usually conducted masses. Military chaplains often led the services.
Many streets in Magalhães Bastos honor military figures. The main road is Estrada General Canrobert da Costa. It is named after General Canrobert da Costa. He was born in Rio de Janeiro in 1895. He served as interim Minister of War under President Getúlio Vargas. Costa died in 1955. He played a significant role in the Brazilian Army. Other streets named after military personnel include Rua Coronel Valença. Also Rua Tenente Coronel Cunha and Rua Capitão Cader Matori. Additionally there is Estrada Marechal Fontenelle and Estrada Marechal Malett. Four military institutions are based here. They are the 9th Infantry Brigade, 21st Logistics Battalion and 25th Logistics Battalion. Also the Regional Motorization Park.
The sports club Esporte Clube São José has interesting origins. It started as a football team formed by members of the São José chapel. It was founded on January 1 1922. Manoel Guina’s family donated the land for the club. Today Guina’s great-grandchildren are part of the club’s presidency and board.
The first school in the neighborhood was Escola Rural. It is now called Escola Municipal Álvaro Alvim. The first factory in Magalhães Bastos was a crockery factory. It is now Manufatura de Produtos King. It was established in 1943 by Antonio Pedro Camalhão Rocha. Initially, it produced glass, candles and ceramics. In 2010, the factory celebrated 67 years. It employs many local residents. Estrada General Canrobert da Costa was paved with cobblestones in 1951.
The Magalhães Bastos Railway Station is a landmark. Its construction was initiated by Manoel Guina. He petitioned the Estrada de Ferro Central do Brasil. Previously, train passengers had to disembark near the Cavalry Barracks. This caused problems for residents. They had to walk a long distance to reach the neighborhood. The new station opened on August 18 1914. It was expanded in 1936 to accommodate the increasing number of military personnel.
Magalhães Bastos once had a cinema. It was a source of pride for the community. Brazilian national team coach Carlos Alberto Parreira frequented it. Built around 1925 it was the only leisure option in the neighborhood. After the cinema closed it became a shoe factory. Now it serves as a parking lot for a local business.
Magalhães Bastos is home to Brazil’s only military polo club. Its main streets include Avenida Marechal Fontenelle. Also Estrada General Canrobert Pereira da Costa. In addition Rua Almeida e Sousa and Rua Carinhanha.