Inaugurated September 7th, 1904, by the president of the Republic at the time, Rodrigues Alves, Ave. Rio Branco, originally called Ave. Central, was part of the revitalization and modernization project for the city which was headed by engineer and mayor of Rio, Francisco Pereira Passos. For the construction, which took six months, 641 homes were demolished and nearly 3,900 people were displaced.
The name of the avenue was changed to Ave. Rio Branco on February 21st, 1912, in tribute to the Baron of Rio Branco, the Brazilian diplomat responsible for treaties and negotiations which consolidated Brazil’s borders.
Photographer unknown.