Os sertões proibidos da Mantiqueira: desbravamento, ocupação da terra e as observações do governador dom Rodrigo José de Meneses

Abstract

The hinterlands of Mantiqueira were considered by Portuguese Crown as a forbidden area to settlement and economical exploration. However, along the XVIII century, that area was occupied randomly and without consent of the law. Discuss such occupation of the hinterlands as something fluid and in constant alteration is our main concern in this article. It will be analyzed the ways by which the individuals overcame the prohibitions of usufruct of those lands, and in particular the activities of José Aires Gomes. Lastly, it will be discussed the notes written by the governor Rodrigo José de Meneses concerning to his trip to that region in order to normalize the land occupation in Mantiqueira.

Minas Gerais; Mantiqueira; Hinterlands; Land occupation