Those who take industrial, labour and cultural history into account when choosing a destination will find tangible historical points of interest in Arroio dos Ratos. The Museu Estadual do Carvão is located in the town; the history of the former thermal power plant and Hospital Sarmento Leite adds to the picture of coal mining. These themes give your stay a clear focus and help you decide what kind of trip to plan.

Coal, Labour and Energy History

The Museu Estadual do Carvão was founded in 1986 to preserve the history of coal mining and miners. From 1924 to 1956, Brazil’s first thermal power plant stood on the museum grounds. This brings together two distinct historical connections: the memory of mining and labour, and a separate chapter in energy history. For travellers interested in industrial history, this offers a tangible focus; the power plant era and the museum’s later founding remain separate chapters.

A Former Office Becomes a Hospital

The history of Hospital Sarmento Leite goes back to the period before it opened. Its original section was a general office of the Companhia Estrada de Ferro e Minas de São Jerônimo (CEFMSJ), built in the mid-1890s and later converted into the hospital’s first building block. The hospital opened on 16 August 1942 and was the first hospital in the coal region. It is described as a cultural heritage site of the Baixo Jacuí coal region in Rio Grande do Sul. The company name refers to railways and mining; its later conversion took this earlier history in a different direction, towards the creation of a healthcare institution. The town can therefore be understood not only through coal, but also through the transformation of a building and the history of healthcare.

Comparing the two historical themes, the museum is concerned with preserving mining history, while the hospital reflects the history of the building and its uses: a former office became the first building block, followed later by the opening of the hospital. This distinction can help you choose which topics you would like to explore further during your stay.

Cultural Events and Getting There

Festcarbo is also a cultural event with historical significance: the 14th edition of the Coal Region Theatre Festival took place from 12 to 17 August 2019; performances were held at the Museu Estadual do Carvão in Arroio dos Ratos. The August dates given refer to 2019. If an event is important to your travel plans, check the dates for your desired travel period.

Arroio dos Ratos can be reached via the BR 116 and BR 290. Both roads are main access routes and provide clear guidance for your journey. Is your visit mainly about coal mining, the hospital’s architectural history or a cultural event? This way, you can connect your search for a holiday rental with the reason for your trip and your journey there.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Novo Machado, Feliz, Rio Grande, Protásio Alves, Caçapava do Sul, São José do Norte, Rodeio Bonito, Santa Vitória do Palmar.

For the broader travel overview: Rio Grande Do Sul.