Azorean Intra-mobility through the Lens of the Cities of Angra and Horta (1825-1835)
Azorean Intra-mobility through the Lens of the Cities of Angra and Horta (1825-1835)

Summary/Abstract: This paper introduces and discusses new evidence for the study of mobility in the Azorean archipelago around 1830. Mobility and internal migrations within the archipelago are analysed through the lens of two urban spaces: Angra do Heroísmo (Terceira Island) and Horta (Faial Island). By examining the population lists, where birthplace is given for some parishes, it is possible to obtain a first image of the share of foreign-born citizens, as well as their geographic and socio-economic profile. Although these lists were made in 1832 when the Liberal army was in the Azores, in total about 21% of residents came from other islands, revealing potentially strong migratory movements towards the urban centres. The presence of foreigners from the central and occidental groups is quite significant, as opposed to those from São Miguel (oriental group), the most populated island. This suggests different migration trajectories in the archipelago, especially in the case of those originating in the oriental group (São Miguel and Santa Maria islands). Another important conclusion is that the majority of the foreigners recorded are women, most of which were likely employed as servants and tavern owners. Mobility is also inferred in this paper by using marriage records for the city of Angra do Heroísmo (1825-1835). The records confirm the predominance of female population married (794 marriages against 598). The data also indicates that the high level of mobility shown by the population lists is accompanied by effective marriage intensity, indicating a capacity for settling down and establishing a family.

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