The first inhabitants came from the Mainland of Rio Grande de São Pedro and settled the area.

A part of the population favour the name Minuano, others prefer a traditional name lengthened with "do Sul" for the geographical location of the city in Brazil.

The river is crossed by the 1,772 m long Marechal José de Abreu bridge, the third largest in the state.

The Desfile Tradicional is a very large horse parade that celebrates the Declaration of Independence in 1835 that started the Ragamuffin War on September 20 each year.

Hundreds of Gauchos in traditional gaúcho attire parade on horseback past the central square of the city.