Detailed Description

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 Title: Gran ferrocarril central
Creator: Santo Domingo Vila, R.
Publication Info: Bogotá : Imprenta de Pizano, 1884.
Physical Details: 32 p. ; 24 x 16 3/10 cms.
Physical Condition: Fragile: paper is flaking in wrappers which are dirty, as is first page, and several more-flaking throughout.
Summary: The author here emphasizes the importance of the construction of a railway connecting Bogotá and the Magdalena River. The document includes a copy of the contract for the railway works, and correspondence on the proposed construction of a Central Railroad that could connect the states of Santander, Boyacá and Cundinamarca with the Magdalena River and Bogotá.
Historical Notes: The problem of how to develop adequate transport is a fundamental issue in the economic history of Colombia. The government was aware as early as the nation’s independence in 1819 that the lack of proper transportation would have a substantial negative impact on the development of the economy. Despite this awareness, Colombia advanced very little in its transportation system from 1820 to 1870. There were only mule roads, underdeveloped river navigation systems, and one road suitable for wheeled vehicles in Antioquia. It was not until the 1870s that the government launched projects to build railroads. Safford, Frank 2010 El Problema de los Transportes en Colombia en el Siglo XIX. In Economía Colombiana del Siglo XIX. A. Meisel Roca and M.T. Ramírez, eds. Pp. 524, 528, 535. Bogotá: Fondo de Cultura Económica.
Donor Notes: Advocates a Central Railway running from Bogotá to the Magdalena River, which General Santo Domingo argues is feasible. - J.L.H.
Subject(s): Railroads -- Colombia
Type: Pamphlet
Language: Spanish
Format: JPG
PDF - Color
Donor: Helguera, J. León
Collection: Helguera, J. León Collection
Institution: Vanderbilt University
Accession Number: P01262
Record Number: 332
Islandora ID: islandora:6057