The greatest tragedy to befall the Azores occurred on 20 October 1522, when a violent earthquake hit the area of Vila Franca do Campo, then the capital of the archipelago and most important Azorean settlement.

[2] King John III eventually elevated Ponta Delgada to the status of city on 2 April 1546, attracting more and more economic activity and settlement.

During the Colonisation of the Azores, São Miguel Island became known for "the great yields" of wheat and woad cultivation, introduced by Flemish immigrants, thanks to the rich and fertile soil.

There was a general consensus regarding the successful exploitation of woad, wheat, and sugar, introduced by the Flemish immigrants, which formed the backbone of the Azorean economy during the 16th and 17th centuries, providing significant profits to the Portuguese Crown.

The inauguration took place on 18 March 1900, at 7:00 PM local time, when 162 light bulbs were lit, as well as three large voltaic chandeliers, which were installed in the town centre, at the Bento de Góis square, and finally at the forecourt of the Church of São Miguel Arcanjo.

Vila Franca do Campo Municipality is located east of Ponta Delgada via the Regional E.R.1-1ª roadway, while it is linked by mountain roads to the eastern and northern communities (including Lagoa, Furnas and Povoação).

The relief of this region is characterized by basaltic rock and projectiles from volcanic activities on the island, forming many of the distinctive geomorphological structures, such as: the islet of Vila Franca, Pico d'El-Rei (674 m), Monte Escuro (890 m), Lombados Pisões (258 m), Miradouro (685 m), Lagoa do Fogo and Ponta da Pirâmide.