The history of Ventura village: Wealth and changes over time
Ventura village came into being with the escape of miners from the parish of Lençóis and the discovery of diamonds and carbonate.
Ventura village in the parish of Lençóis
Around 1840, runaway miners from the parish of Lençóis took refuge in the caves of Colonel Porfírio Pereira‘s farm, near a waterfall (now known as the Várzea da Cobra farm). One of the prospectors was called Ventura.
Soon the prospectors discovered diamonds and carbonate in the village of Ventura, set up a small mine under the protection of Colonel Porfírio and began selling the stones in the town of Lençóis.
Ventura, the prospector, was responsible for selling the first diamonds and the name “VENTURA” became a reference to where the diamonds came from.
The name “Vila do Ventura” not only honoured the prospector, but also became a reference to the place that attracted so many other prospectors because of its riches.
Over time, the name Ventura became known throughout the mining region, attracting many other prospectors to settle in the promising new lands.
It is also known that before the mining operations were established at Ventura, there were already a number of full houses in the area.
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Growth and decline
Between 1840 and 1864 there was a good period of growth, with buildings and a burgeoning trade. However, with the Paraguayan War and the conscription of many men, the small town fell into decline.
After the war, a new phase began and the town grew again. It reached its peak in the first three decades of the last century.
Creation of the Ventura district
The State Law 680 of 27 August 1906 created the District of Ventura.
At that time, there was already a strong trade, which was gradually established in the Praça Comercial (now Praça Coronel Dias Coelho).
There were two schools, one state and one municipal, and some private teachers who taught Portuguese and French. There was also a post office, the Ventura Commerce Employees Association, a theatre, the 25 de Dezembro Philharmonic, founded in 1907, a cemetery and a chapel.
The district’s main income came from the carbonate trade, which was sold directly to the European market. One of the reasons for the decline of this trade was the introduction of a synthetic element which replaced carbonate at the end of the 1920s.
Historical legacy
Today, Vila do Ventura is a valuable historical site for research into a period when diamonds, carbonates and colonels were recurring themes.
Main economic activities during the Apogee
During its heyday, the main economic activities of Ventura village were:
1. Carbonate trade
The district’s main source of income was the carbonate trade, which was marketed directly on the European market.
2. Diamond Mining
Mining continued to be an important source of wealth, with the extraction and sale of diamonds.
3. Local trade
Local trade grew with the establishment of shops and establishments to serve the population and prospectors.
4. Educational services
The presence of schools has contributed to the social and economic development of the community.
5. Cultural activities
Cultural institutions such as the 25 de Dezembro Philharmonic and the Theatre show that culture plays an important role in the life of the city.
6. Public services
The establishment of a post office and the creation of associations sustained the community.
These activities boosted the local economy and contributed to the growth and vitality of Vila do Ventura during its period of greatest prosperity.
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