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This article examines the historical location attributed to initial settlers in Encruzilhada do Sul, aiming to clarify inaccuracies found in local historiography.

April 25, 2026Open Access

Capivari and the territorial formation of southern Brazil: Toponymic review and criticism of the location of the first settlers of Encruzilhada do Sul (RS)

Key Points

This article examines the historical location attributed to initial settlers in Encruzilhada do Sul, aiming to clarify inaccuracies found in local historiography.
Analyzed historical cartography, including maps identifying 'Capivary' and its geographical implications.
Reviewed local historiographical works, particularly that of José Pedroso, regarding the settlement history.
Combined toponymic, geographical, logistical, and cartographic factors to re-evaluate the location of the settlers.
The Capivari stream is misassociated with the settlers' location; evidence points to the coastal Capivari in Capivari do Sul.
Traditional historical accounts lack empirical support, leading to new interpretations of colonial territorial occupation.
The analysis challenges longstanding views and proposes a more plausible understanding of early settlement geography.

Abstract

This article proposes a critical review of the location attributed to the first settlers sent by Francisco de Brito Peixoto to the region currently corresponding to Encruzilhada do Sul/RS. Local historiography, based on works such as that of José Pedroso, associates these colonizers with the Capivari stream, located in the interior of the current territory of Pantano Grande/RS. However, the combined analysis of toponymic, geographical, logistical and cartographic factors indicates the existence of an interpretative mistake. From the examination of historical cartography — especially maps that identify the "Capivary" as a watercourse linked to the lagoon system of Lagoa dos Patos — it is argued that the original reference concerns the coastal Capivari, today associated with the region of Capivari do Sul/RS. It is concluded that the traditional location lacks consistent empirical support, and a reinterpretation based on the logic of colonial territorial occupation is more plausible.

Capivari and the territorial formation of southern Brazil: Toponymic review and criticism of the location of the first settlers of Encruzilhada do Sul (RS)

Key Points

Abstract

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