When the United States' Civil War ended in 1865 many Confederates decided they did not want to live under the rule of the U.S. occupying forces. Thousands of them emigrated to Southern Brazil between 1865 and 1885.
Some historians and descendants of these settlers claim that 9000 left the United States for Brazil. An accurate accounting has never been made. A more conservative estimate would be around 4000.
Emperor Dom Pedro II of Brazil actively recruited these expatriates for their expertise in farming and cotton planting. They were offered a passage and land for farming. They came from all over the South, but the largest groups were from Alabama, Texas and South Carolina. Many left after a few years, but others stayed and left their mark on Brazil. Only recently has their contribution to Latin American society been recognized by mainstream media.
In 1998 the first cultural exchange was made between Brazilians of U.S. descent and Georgia residents. The Sons of Confederate Veterans facilitated a trip for a group of teenage American-Brazilians to visit Georgia.
Anthony Spencer
Department of Communication Studies
University of North Texas
Sao Paulo Brazil
in the mid 1800s
Confederado Charles Garvin
about 1885
Confederate Cemetery in Americana, Brazil