The apex of this cultural legacy is in one small community in southern Brazil. The town is called Americana, which was named, aptly enough for the original settlers from the United States.
It is a sugar-cane growing region about 85 miles northwest of Sao Paulo. The soil is fertile and brick-red in color. In fact it is very similar to that found in Alabama or Mississippi and very good for growing cotton.
Today tourism is a major industry in Americana. Visitors come from around Brazil, and even around the world to see the historic cemetery and hear English spoken with a southern drawl.
Anthony Spencer
Department of Communication Studies
University of North Texas
The Fraternity
of American Descendents in Brazil
Americana, Brazil
