The town of Jaboatão dos Guararapes was
founded on May 4, 1593 by Bento Luiz Figueira, the third owner of Engenho São
João Batista. The Second Battle of Guararapes occurred in the city and was one
of the most important battles in Brazil's history, in which the people from
Pernambuco defeated and expelled the Dutch from the State. This battle was an
important event that led to the creation of the Brazilian Army. In 1873 it
ascended to village status, and in 1884 after being split up with Olinda it
ascended to city status.