Perhaps you have heard of the Ilha do Governador. It is not just an island. It is a landmark of history. We are standing before the Marco da Ilha do Governador.
Ilha do Governador is located in the Guanabara Bay. It is part of Rio de Janeiro. The island has a rich past. Indigenous people called it Paranapuã. This means sea hill. Others called it Ilha dos Maracajás. This refers to the large cats once abundant here.
The name Ilha do Governador appeared in 1567. Mem de Sá gave the island to his nephew. His nephew’s name was Salvador Correia de Sá. He was governor of Rio de Janeiro. Correia de Sá transformed the island. It became a sugarcane farm. Sugar was exported to Europe. This happened in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries.
The island has seen significant events. In 1663 the Galeão Padre Eterno was launched. At that time it was the world’s largest ship. It was built at Ponta do Galeão. This location is now the neighborhood of Galeão.
In the 19th century Prince Regent Dom João used the island for hunting. Praia da Bica got its name from a spring. Prince Pedro later Dom Pedro I bathed there. The spring still exists today. Regular steamboat service to Freguesia started in 1838. This connected the island to the mainland. Later docks were built in Galeão and Ribeira. This integrated the island into the coffee economy and industry.
Streetcars arrived in the early 20th century. They connected Cocotá to Ribeira in 1922. The route later extended to Bananal. Military units were set up. These included the Galeão Air Base. Also the Marine Corps barracks. The Navy Radio Station was built too. The island became a resort. It was popular with the middle class of Rio de Janeiro.
In 1981 the Ilha do Governador neighborhood was officially ended. It was divided into fourteen official neighborhoods. This happened by decree of then mayor Júlio Coutinho.
The Marco da Ilha do Governador stands as a reminder. It is a reminder of the island’s long history. It is a story of indigenous people. Also of governors and industry. It also tells of beaches and military presence. The Ilha do Governador is more than just a place. It is a story etched in time.