The objective of this article is to investigate the consolidation of a penitentiary establishment called "Colônia Correcional de Dois Rios", at Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, between the years 1908 and 1930. During this period, the Colônia received the small buglers who populated the streets of the city, but also, when necessary, all political prisoners, foreigners, who had become a menace due to the strengthening of anarchist movements, and members of popular manifestations e political movements against the political regime. The history of this institution indicates a constant tension between liberal and positivist principles, the law and authoritarian practices, as well as between official narratives on order and arbitrary and uncontrolled practices of punishment, directed towards those individuals without any sort of social privileges and assistance.
First Brazilian Republic; Rio de Janeiro; Ilha Grande; Prison; Penitentiary; violence.