[citation needed] The Pomba River basin settlement took place, initially, due to the decline of mining activities.

In the late 18th and early 19th century, several families left Mariana, Ouro Preto, and other mining centers in search of fertile land where they could undertake activities that would result in a more stable and secure incoming.

During the battles, using arrows and axes against firearms, the natives were gradually slaughtered or made prisoners for slave labor, especially when it comes to young people and women.

In November 1767, Father Manoel de Jesus Maria was put in charge for the conversion of the natives to Catholicism, laying the groundwork for the entry of the owners of land grants after 1797.

In 1805, Captain Antonio Januário Carneiro and his brother-in-law Commander Jose de Faria Alvim Cesario, acquired several land grants previously belonging to the Municipality of São João Batista do Presídio, bringing their families, slaves and livestock.

Due to the development of the parish and the activities of the inhabitants, especially coffee plantations, the settlement was officially recognized as a village on June 17, 1853, and on July 3, 1857, was incorporated as a municipality.

The first city council was composed by: Ubá is situated in the Zona da Mata mesoregion of Minas Gerais.