Baron of Mauá Palace
Irineo Evangelista de Souza
Baron of Mauá – The Empire’s most enterprising businessman
Irineo Evangelista de Souza, renowned as Baron and Viscount of Mauá, played a key role during the history of the second Brazilian Empire thanks to his remarkable breadth of vision in the commercial and industrial sectors in Brazil.
Irineo Evangelista de Souza was born in the region of Arroio Grande, in the town of Jaguarão, Rio Grande do Sul State, on December 28, 1813. He was already fatherless at the time he traveled to the city of Rio de Janeiro in the company of an uncle from the merchant marine. In 1830, he was hired by an import company owned by Ricardo Carruthers who taught him English, accountancy and the art of trading.
In 1839, Ireneo returned to southern Brazil to fetch his mother, sister and his niece, Maria Joaquina de Souza Machado, who he was to marry two years later, when she was just 15 years old. Together they had 18 children although only 10 survived.
A fund-raising trip to England in 1840 convinced him that Brazil should pursue the path of industrialization. A few years later, inspired by what he had seen, he decided to sell out his shop and purchase a foundry business at Ponta da Areia, in the city of Niterói, along with a small-sized shipyard at the same location. To justify this acquisition, he stated that “since the industry that manipulates iron is the mother of all others, to me it seemed to epitomize the foundation of all genuine aspiration."
In 1845, Irineo spearheaded a groundbreaking initiative. He built the shipyards of the Ponta da Areia Company, thus paving the way for the development of the Brazilian naval industry. His company also manufactured drainage pipes for the Maracanã and Andaraí Grande rivers and the gas lamps that illuminated Rio de Janeiro’s streets.
As of 1851, he began his banking activities by founding the Bank of Brazil in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Upon realizing, however, that the principles underpinning that institution had strayed from their original mission of fostering the nation’s economy, Irineo declined a position as managing director and established his own company – Casa Mauá Mac Gregor & Cia. Since its inception, in 1854, it gained a solid reputation, turning Irineo into the Empire’s greatest entrepreneur and financier.
In 1852, Irineo negotiated with the imperial government a concession to build Brazil’s first railroad.
The official launch of the Mauá Railroad took place on April 30, 1854. It was so named by Emperor D. Pedro II, although in actuality its official denomination was Petrópolis Company of Steam Navigation and Railroad. It extended over 9 miles, initially linking Estrela Beach with the village of Fragoso, in Rio de Janeiro State. On December 16, 1856, the tracks were stretched as far as Raiz da Serra, at the foot of the Atlantic Rainforest, lengthening the railroad to nearly 9.5 miles.
By virtue of this undertaking, Irineo Evangelista de Souza was honored with the noble title of Baron of Mauá, former name of Porto da Estrela - Star Wharf - which stood next to the main train terminal.
Among other noteworthy achievements of the Baron of Mauá one could cite the incorporation of Navegação Comércio do Amazonas Company, pursuant to a decree of 1852 which granted him exclusive rights to the commercial exploitation of all navigation on the Amazon River for 30 years, and the construction of the Santos-Jundiaí Railroad, eventually named São Paulo Railway. The latter features among the reasons behind his future bankruptcy, due to the debtors’ default in paying back the full amount loaned by Mauá.
In 1872, for furthering the telegraphic service between Brazil and Portugal he was bestowed the title of Viscount of Mauá.
In 1875, the Viscount attempted to raise a loan with the Bank of Brazil to settle his debts, but was given a 3-year moratorium instead. Serious financial tribulations ensued, culminating with his bankruptcy in 1878. In 1884, he finally resumed his business activities after payment of all debts.
Mauá died on October 21st, 1889 at 75 from diabetes, three months prior to the collapse of an Empire that had benefited enormously from his contributions in the area of transportation. His mortal remains were transferred from Petrópolis to Rio de Janeiro. “His last journey was on train run by The Rio de Janeiro & Northern Railway Company. The Baron's body, cold and inert, finally rode the railway his passionate industrial enthusiasm had helped to engender.” He was buried in a cemetery at Catumbi, in Rio.
Despite the dearth of funds and human understanding alike, which plagued him on his final days, Mauá’s legacy to the Brazilian people consisted in a great example of determination, enterprising spirit and confidence in the future of his country.
Baron of Mauá Palace
At the head of Barão do Rio Branco Ave., on the corner of Piabanha Street, immediately opposite Confluência Plaza, stands the palace that once belonged to the Baron of Mauá.
The plot of land was originally owned by Felipe Erbis I, who hailed from Germany.
In 1848, the portion of the property looking on Quarteirão de Nassau Ave. (currently Piabanha Ave.), was sold to Jean Baptiste Binot. The other side, which stands on Westphalia - today named Rio Branco Ave. – was purchased in 1852 by Irineo Evangelista de Souza – later known as the Baron of Mauá. From April 1852 till March 1854 Mauá had his summer residence erected. Designed by Engineer Otto Reimarus and titled “Mauá’s residence”, it was the only one of his many houses built from scratch. During that period, he would often visit Petrópolis to follow up on the construction of Brazil’s first railroad line.
In the 19th century, Brazil became a trendsetter in the field of architecture. Brazilian architects were invited to design magnificent buildings in foreign countries.
The coming of the royal family, who moved to Brazil from Portugal early that same century, introduced considerable changes in the habits and ways of colonial life. The sudden arrival of a mission comprising French painters, sculptors and architects in 1816 once again altered dramatically the character of Brazilian architecture. From that date onwards, all local constructions were to comply with the stringent standards adopted in France, then regarded as the mainstream of western civilization.
The neoclassical style interfered with a long-standing Portuguese influence in colonial architecture, encouraging technical improvements and the use of materials suitable to the new architectural approach.
Mauá’s palace reflected the style prevalent in those days. It boasts sober neoclassical lines, with roofs concealed behind masonry eavesdrops, and windows and doors that harmonize with the 2nd Empire's tradition. It is nestled amid a thick forest, surrounded by manicured lawns and gardens where some rare specimens of palm and fruit trees can still be found. The property is enclosed by masonry walls and iron railings forged in the Baron’s own shipyard.
The building was ultimately surrendered as payment to creditors at the time when the Baron filed for bankruptcy in 1878.
Due to these financial travails, his house in Petrópolis was sold to Mr. Alberto de Faria, father-in-law to the famous Catholic thinker Alceu de Amoroso Lima, aka Tristão de Athayde, who spent long periods at the residence.
In the decades of the 1950’s and 60’s, celebrated poet and composer Vicícius de Moraes, married at the time to Mrs. Lucinha Proença, a direct descendent from Alberto de Faria, spent his summers at the Mauá palace. There, he and partner Carlos Lira composed some of their loveliest tunes.
The palace premises are well lit, spacious and adequately ventilated, and provide a lovely view of the woods. From its main entrance room the Caxambú and Morin mountains can be sighted, as well as the Cathedral of Petrópolis. In that same room one will marvel at a tabletop with a beautiful porcelain painting of Louis XVIII surrounded by courtiers; the whole furniture, including armchairs and chairs acquired from a castle in France, are from the 18th century. The house has undergone several renovations. Its oil-painted ceilings were unfortunately lost and replaced with hardwood. All bathroom sinks were imported from England.
Nowadays, the property serves as headquarters to the Petrópolis Foundation for Culture and Tourism and houses a Tourist Information Center.
The reception room is open to public visitation Monday through Friday. On week-ends and holidays, the atrium and meeting rooms can also be visited. | 