Nearly all of the great cities of Brazil's north coast trace their origins to the colonial era. Not Aracaju. Though a tiny fishing village by that name was settled in 1699, it was not until 1855 when,recognizing the need for a proper port in Sergipe, work began on a planned city. Progress was lackluster at first, but as urbanization accelerated across Brazil in the early 20th century, Aracaju grew into a truly modern city. Development has accelerated in recent years, with the state government funding considerable development of transportation, electricity, and the sugar refining industry, intent on turning Aracaju into a city just as large as any of the old colonial ports.