Regiões em movimento: um olhar sobre a geografia histórica do Sul de Minas e da Zona da Mata Mineira

Abstract

Since the time of the trip stories, Minas Gerais attracted the interest of many researchers. Its history and economy are full of factors that, in a certain way, distinguish it of the context of the other Brazilian states: as examples of this reality, we can remember its precociously urban initial occupation, in contrast of the remain of then Brazil colony. Between the diverse subjects that contribute for the briefing of the Mineiro mosaic, the study of the Ninetieth Century has attracted special interest, given its importance for the formation of Minas economic space. Important part of this history is written on the lands of the Sul de Minas and the Zona da Mata. The option for these spaces elapses of its importance in the context of the Minas Gerais of the period, where they answered mostly of the state collection and for great part of the population. The interpretations and analyses used are based on the geohistorical approach. It is understood as the study of Geographies of the past, that is, of the analysis and interpretation of the space organization of the societies of the past. Another trace of this approach is the inclusion of the relations between men and its environment, through the use of works of Physical Geography. The research period goes from 1808 to 1897. The regional limits used are an adaptation of the Regions of Planning elaborated by Secretaria de Estado do Planejamento e Coordenação Geral (SEPLAN).