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In The U.S., A Town Called Brazil Has Held An Unusual Name Since 1866
In the heart of the United States, a town carries a name that intrigues any Brazilian: Brazil. But what led a small municipality in Indiana to be named after the largest country in South America? Was it a tribute, a coincidence, or something more curious? The story behind this name surprises and reveals unexpected connections between the two countries.
In the state of Indiana, United States, there is a town called Brazil. The name was chosen in the 1840s, inspired by Brazil, the country in South America. The town of Brazil occupies an area of 8.8 km², with 8.7 km² of land and 0.1 km² of water, according to Census data. The population is 8,188 inhabitants.
The History of the Name
The town of Brazil originated in 1838, when William Stewart, a native of Massachusetts, arrived in Clay County and built the first house in the region. Stewart, who had worked as a teacher in Ohio and Indiana, taught the town’s first school class.
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He used to read newspapers that occasionally arrived and learned about the revolution in Brazil. The name of the country caught his attention. Because it was short and easy to remember, he suggested “Brazil” to name the new settlement.
At that time, the town had an area of 189 acres and served as a stopping point for covered wagons of travelers heading west in the United States. The first local industry was founded by John Hendrix, Sr., who opened a blacksmith shop and a wagon and plow store.
The Gift from Brazil to Brazil
In 1956, the Brazilian government sent a special gift to the town of Brazil. As a symbol of friendship between the two countries, a replica of the “Chafariz dos Contos,” a monument from Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, was installed.
The inauguration was attended by the Brazilian ambassador and other officials. The fountain is displayed in Forest Park and remains one of the town’s main landmarks.
Those Born There Are “Brazilian,” or “Brasileiro” in Portuguese
Interestingly, those born in Brazil, Indiana, are also called “Brazilian,” the same word in English for natives of Brazil. “I was born here, so I am Brazilian. And very proud of it,” says Kenneth Turner, 76, the keeper of the Historical Society of Brazil.
The town faces economic challenges. Thirteen percent of families live below the poverty line, and the same percentage of households is headed by women without spouses. The average household income is approximately US$ 2,600 monthly, below the national average of US$ 4,020.
Political Trend
In the last presidential election, Donald Trump received over 77% of the votes in the county, while Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, received about 20%. In the state of Indiana, Trump won all 11 delegates by winning over 58% of the votes.
Brazil, Indiana, has a peculiar history. It emerged from inspiration from Brazil and still preserves its connection with the South American country today. The fountain gifted by Brazil remains a symbol of that connection, reinforcing the historical bond between the small American town and the nation that gave it its name.
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