Although D. Manuel Luís Baltazar da Câmara, 9th Captain-Donatário of the island of São Miguel, was created first Count, by a decree of King Afonso VI of Portugal, issued on 15 September 1662, the origins of this title date to the fall of the Count of Vila Franca, and specifically Manuel da Câmara's father Rodrigo da Câmara.
The title of Count was first bestowed upon D. Manuel Luís Baltazar da Câmara, 9th Captain-Donatário of São Miguel Island, by King Afonso VI of Portugal in a royal decree dated September 15, 1662. However, the roots of this noble title can be found in the decline of the Count of Vila Franca and Rodrigo da Câmara, Manuel's father.