Nominal list of workers: free people and slaves in the construction of bridges and roads in the Minas Gerais Province (1830-1880)

Abstract

This article shows the preliminary findings of operation of nominal lists of workers employed in the construction of bridges and roads in the Minas Gerais province. It emphasizes the occupation and social conditions of workers, as well as the slave rental system. In the 19th century, Minas Gerais held a prominent position in the national scene, especially due to its demographic and economic dynamism. It presented a population growth rate above the average in Brazil, maintained the largest slave system in the country. This article presents the results concerning 3,300 nominal lists of workers.

Key words
Occupational structure; Free and slaves; Nominal lists; Workers; Minas Gerais