Modernização esquecida, construindo pontes e estradas no Brasil Imperial

engenheiros e artífices em uma região exportadora em Minas Gerais (1850-1875)

Abstract

This article analyses the modernization of road infrastructure in the Zona
da Mata mineira during the third quarter of the nineteenth century. The
evidences gathered indicate: (1) an intense circulation of engineers and
how their activities interwove technical and economic problems during
the process of construction roads and bridges; (2) the weaknesses of the
Brazilian patent system (1830) to stimulate the construction of suspension
bridges; (3) the presence of internal routes that supported the circulation
of agricultural and livestock goods. The article explores the relationship
between State, market (export sector and non-export sector) and the
transportation system.