Evidence of pre-columbian presence has been found in the Gruta Rei do Mato (Cave of the Forest King).
From around 1700, colonists entered Minas Gerais in search of gold, gems and diamonds. Nowadays, the Santa Luzia quarter is unofficially still called "o garimpo" (meaning "the goldmine").
Between 1780 and 1867, the name 'Sete Lagoas' was used for several regional types of administrations. The municipality of Sete Lagoas was founded in 1867.
Although "Sete Lagoas" means "Seven Lagoons", there are currently more than seven lakes and lagoons in Sete Lagoas (10 within the urban perimetre, 17 in the municipality). Some were dug out, others became part of the town when the town expanded. There are, however, 7 'official' lakes according to a municipal law from 1989. These are: Lagoa da Boa Vista, Lagoa da Catarina, Lagoa da Chácara, Lagoa do Cercadinho, Lagoa José Felix, Lagoa do Matadouro and Lagoa Paulino.
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