The book Mauá: Businessman of the Empire is a biography written by Jorge Caldeira that narrates the life and journey of Irineu Evangelista de Sousa, better known as Viscount of Mauá. Published in 1995, the book offers a detailed insight into the life and achievements of this important Brazilian historical figure of the 19th century.
Baron of Mauá, whose real name was Irineu Evangelista de Sousa, was a prominent figure in 19th-century Brazilian history. He played a significant role in the economic and industrial development of the country. The childhood of Irineu Evangelista de Sousa, better known as Baron of Mauá, is a fascinating and often overlooked chapter in the history of one of Brazil’s most prominent entrepreneurs and visionaries.
The Mauá Railroad, officially known as the Imperial Steam Navigation and Petrópolis Railroad Company, was the first railway established in Brazil and the third in South America. It was built in 1854 by Irineu Evangelista de Sousa, Baron of Mauá. Initially, it connected the Port of Mauá to Fragoso, in Rio de Janeiro, with later extensions to Petrópolis and Areal.
Mauá Square marks the beginning of Avenida Rio Branco and also the Port of Rio de Janeiro, as the numbering of warehouses starts at the square. The center of the square is occupied by the statue of Irineu Evangelista de Sousa, the Baron/Viscount of Mauá, a pioneer in various areas of Brazil’s economy. The Baron/Viscount of Mauá, who also gives his name to the square, was responsible for the construction of the Mauá Railway and the creation of the Bank of Brazil, among other achievements. Placed on a column, the sculpture is the work of the sculptor Rodolfo Bernardelli and was inaugurated in 1910 by the initiative of the Engineering Club.
