Forging the capital: the experiences of the Niteroi first turf and rowing clubs

The article aims to discuss the experiences of the first clubs of turf and rowing structured in Niteroi (decades of 1870-1880). Specifically, it is intended to address the articulation of these initiatives with the forging of an idea of capitality for the city. The two modalities were chosen because, in the world and in Brazil, they were pioneers in the conformation of the sports field. In the analysis/interpretation, it was taken into account that such associations appeared in the final moments of a first cycle of modernization of Niteroi, begun with its assumption to the condition of capital (1834), ended when it lost so much of its territory (with the autonomy of Sao Goncalo) and, due to the impacts of the Revolta da Armada, for some years the political-administrative centrality of the state (1890s). To reach the goal, were used as sources magazines and newspapers published in the city and in Rio de Janeiro in the period.