The Highlands Railway

The railway had a 44-kilometre route and represented an unprecedented technological challenge; the electric train, unfortunately, only lasted three years in service.

The Highland Railway Song in Marimba: https://youtu.be/Cxzta17Vof4?si=WQvl0DG2Ej6TPXM6

This post traces the history of the Ferrocarril de los Altos, an ambitious railway project in Guatemala that sought to connect the western highlands with the Pacific coast. From its conception in the late 19th century to its abrupt end in the 1930s, we will explore the key milestones, technical and economic challenges, and political figures who shaped the fate of this railway, which, despite its short life, left an indelible mark on the collective memory of the region.

Timeline of the Highlands Railway:

• 1881: President Justo Rufino Barrios declared his intention to build the railroad, envisioning it as a vital connection for the region's economic development. This declaration marked the beginning of a vision that would take decades to materialize, facing numerous obstacles along the way.

• 1891: The area for railway construction is being surveyed. This inspection phase was crucial in assessing the project's feasibility, identifying the topographical and logistical challenges that building a railway line in such rugged terrain would entail.

• 1896: The railway project is being revived. After a period of inactivity, the project is resurfacing, driven by the need to improve transportation infrastructure and facilitate trade in the region.

• February 25, 1899: The first contract for the construction of the Los Altos Railway is signed between the governments of Manuel Estrada Cabrera and Juan Luis Buerón. This contract represents a significant step toward the project's realization, establishing the legal and financial foundations for its execution.

• November 21, 1910: The Krupp company begins construction in Quetzaltenango. The involvement of the prestigious German company Krupp, known for its engineering and construction expertise, instilled confidence in the project's ability to carry out such a large-scale project.

• March 15, 1911: The Krupp company begins construction from San Felipe. Simultaneous construction from two strategic locations, Quetzaltenango and San Felipe, was intended to accelerate the project's progress and overcome geographical challenges.

• 1914: Construction was suspended due to the economic impact of World War I. The outbreak of World War I had a devastating impact on the global economy, affecting the availability of resources and the ability to continue the railway project.

• 1920: President Carlos Herrera created a tax on alcoholic beverages to finance the project's continuation. Faced with the need to find alternative sources of financing, the government resorted to the creation of a specific tax, demonstrating its commitment to continuing the project despite the economic difficulties.

• 25 de septiembre de 1924: President José María Orellana signed a contract with the German company Allgemeine Elektricitäts-Gesellschaft (AEG) to complete the project. The signing of this contract with AEG, another renowned German company, marked a new impetus for the project, securing the expertise and resources necessary for its completion.

• 1925: Orellana visits the construction of the Santa María hydroelectric plant, essential for powering the train. The construction of the Santa María hydroelectric plant was a crucial component of the project, as it would provide the energy needed to operate the electric railway, demonstrating an innovative vision for its time.

• 1926: José María Orellana died; His successor, Lázaro Chacón, continued the plan. The project's continuation after Orellana's death, thanks to the commitment of his successor, Lázaro Chacón, demonstrated the importance he placed on the railroad as an engine of development for the region.

• August 22, 1927: Chacón attends the inauguration of the power plant and the arrival of the first locomotive at the Santa María de Jesús Station. The inauguration of the power plant and the arrival of the first locomotive were moments of great celebration, symbolizing the progress and hope that the railroad represented for the community.

• March 30, 1930: Se inaugura el ferrocarril, comenzando su servicio regular entre Quetzaltenango y Retalhuleu. La inauguración del ferrocarril marcó la culminación de décadas de esfuerzo y la realización de un sueño largamente acariciado, conectando las tierras altas con la costa del Pacífico y abriendo nuevas oportunidades para el comercio y el desarrollo.

• September 19, 1933: A storm destroys sections and damages bridges, rendering the tracks in Santa María unusable. The devastating storm that hit the region caused irreparable damage to the railroad infrastructure, marking the beginning of the end for this ambitious project.

• After 1933: Jorge Ubico's government refused to authorize reconstruction and ordered the railroad's dismantling. The decision by Jorge Ubico's government not to rebuild the railroad and instead to order its dismantling was a fatal blow to the project, ending an era of hope and progress for the region. The Highlands Railway became a symbol of a shattered dream, a reminder of lost challenges and opportunities.

3D Ferrocarril de los Altos.pdf

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