Taubaté, the oldest city of all, keeps more history in its streets than you can possibly read in any history books ever written. It was the departure center of the “bandeiras” (“flags”, in English), groups of men that explored the Paraíba Valley. These men from Taubaté founded important cities like Ouro Preto (MG) as well as most cities in Paraíba Valley. Later on, Taubaté was an important coffee center. Taubaté also gave to Brazil one of its most important writers: Monteiro Lobato. Its people never ran away from fighting and defended São Paulo during the revolution period in 1932. With a lot of strength Taubaté became - in the 20th century - a major industrial area. This strength of the people from Taubaté has been sensed until today while one walks along the streets and lanes of this city which preserves its historical ancient buildings and shows its history all over the place.