The process of colonization of the region, now occupied by the city of João Pinheiro began probably in the half of the 18th century, the period preceding the discovery of gold mines in the regions with the movement of inputs and flags bearing the lands of Paracatu.

Prior to occupancy by the white man, the territory was inhabited only by Amerinds (the tribe of Cataguá) and fugitive blacks of Paracatu and Goiás mines By 1818, near the banks of the Vereda Extreme came a small town founded by pioneers and drovers who sought the captaincy of Goiás, this was the first landing of the white man in these parts.

However, some of these adventurers settled animated by livestock and the diamond mines in the Rio Santo Antônio.

According to oral tradition, a very brave Curraleiro ox that lived in the vicinity of the site, often in the evening, went to the camp and remained there throughout the night mooing.

On August 30, 1911, Santana Cheerful, received its current name, and went dismembered Paracatu.