construction of the fortress began in the mid 1600s, and was concluded in 1639. after the dutch took over the northeastern capital salvador in bahia in 1624, rumors of a possible attack on rio de janeiro provoked panic among the city's residents. the dutch conquest, in addition to fears of attacks and invasions by the english and the french, led to the building of this new fort among others.

as a result of various dutch invasions of brazil, and particularly after the assault on mauricio de nassau in 1638, the preparations and works to strengthen the fort was initiated. the fortaleza de santa margarida replaced the comparatively primitive fortaleza de são jose. a group made up of largely indigenous peoples to complete the work. while this new addition was not baptized with its current name until 1639, minor fortifications commenced as early as 1624.