The origins of the Fazenda Solar date back to the early 19th century, during Brazil's colonial era.

This colonial building was constructed around 1818 as the new residence of the French engineer Jean Antoine Félix Dissandes de Monlevade. The Monlevade family lived in the Fazenda Solar while their 100-plus slaves lived in the Senzala.

In 1921, ARBED's president Gaston Barbanson acquired the Fazenda Solar and its vast surroundings rich in iron ore.

On this site, they expanded the newly founded Companhia Siderúrgica Belgo Mineira. In the 1930s, a steel plant was built next to the Fazenda Solar, as well as an entire industrial town. Today, the Fazenda belongs to ArcelorMittal and is occasionally used for special receptions.