ROAD MOVEMENT IN THE SOUTH OF BAHIA: THE ILHÉUS-ITABUNA ROAD AND THE COCOA OUTFLOW (1922-1935)

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to analyze the implementation and consolidation of road transportation in the south of Bahia, following a movement led by planters and businessmen in favor of the Ilhéus-Itabuna Road. This study describes the performance of public and private entities, such as SA Auto Viação Sul Bahiana -- AVSB, the Instituto de Cacau da Bahia -ICB, and Companhia Auto-Viação Sul Bahiana -- SULBA, as drivers in this process. The initial chronological point of this research is the year 1922, when, through private initiative, the construction of the Ilhéus-Itabuna Road started. The year 1935 marks the final milestone, when under the management of SULBA, a subsidiary company of the ICB, a government agency, the Ilhéus-Itabuna road becomes not only trafficable but also the most profitable road for the Institute.