The article aims to discuss how the construction of an image of preserved memory place for the city of Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, has influenced the legitimation process of the Primary School D. Pedro II, built in the city. It was investigated the period between 1900 and 1920, and the analyzed sources were: reports, official letters, lists, minutes of the students' exams, the state legislation, Minas Gerais Chamber of Deputies annals, Ouro Preto City Council minutes, newspapers, statistics. This research was especially based on Roger Chartier's notions of representation and Michel de Certeau's notions of production of place. The analysis led to the conclusion that the focused Primary School was not originated as a legitimized institution. The construction of its importance was gradual and influenced by the production of a historical sense to Ouro Preto. Part of the municipal politicians resisted the creation of the School, perhaps motivated by the loss of the status of capital city of Minas and its connections with the imperial regime. Such bonds have as one of its expressions the school's name.
primary school; Ouro Preto; representation