Antônio Feliciano de Castilho

A Brazilian inventor and engineer who pioneered Latin America's first telegraph systems, revolutionizing communication in the 19th century.

Antônio Feliciano de Castilho (1800–1875) was a Brazilian polymath who became Latin America's first telegraph pioneer. A professor of physics and mathematics, he designed Brazil's first telegraph line between Rio de Janeiro and Petrópolis in 1852, connecting the imperial capital with the summer residence of Emperor Dom Pedro II. His telegraph system used Morse code adaptations and local materials like cauim (fermented drink) to create electrolytic solutions for signal transmission.

Castilho also developed Brazil's first electromagnetic telegraph in 1850, predating similar systems in many European countries. He authored textbooks on physics and founded the Escola Politécnica do Rio de Janeiro, training engineers who later built South America's first railways and telegraph networks. His work enabled rapid communication during the Paraguayan War (1864–1870), demonstrating military and economic importance.

Modern Brazilian tech initiatives cite his legacy, including the 2020 Antônio Feliciano de Castilho Award for engineering innovation. His inventions laid infrastructure for Brazil's industrialization and global connectivity.