city, east central Maranhão estado (state), northeastern Brazil, on the Rio Itapicuru, at 207 feet (63 metres) above sea level. Formerly known as São José das Aldeias Altas, it was renamed to honour Luis Alves de Lima e Silva, duque de Caxias (Caxias, Luiz Alves de Lima e Silva, duque de), governor and military commander in Maranhão (1837). The city is the commercial centre of eastern Maranhão and processes rice, cotton, carnauba and babassu palms (for oil), cashews, and almonds that are grown in the region. The seat of a bishopric, Caxias is accessible by railroad, highway, and air from São Luís, the state capital (171 miles 【275 km】 northwest), and neighbouring communities, including Teresina (40 miles 【64 km】 southeast), capital of Piauí state. Pop. (2005 est.) 106,400.