Abstract

CORREA R, Juan Santiago. COFFEE AND TRANSPORT SYSTEM IN COLOMBIA: THE RAILROAD OF CÚCUTA. Rev.econ.inst. [online]. 2013, vol.15, n.29, pp.227-251. ISSN 0124-5996.

ABSTRACT This article analyzes the process of construction and operation of the Cúcuta Railroad, which was intended as a transport system with significant regional results. This project had one of the most interesting routes of the 19th century: the line from Cucuta to Puerto Villamizar, which was an initiative of private capital, built by national engineers without any funding or subsidy from the government. However, the other lines built later didn't fulfill their purpose. The system built and operated by the Cúcuta Railroad gave the liberal elite of this region an efficient system of communication to move the main agricultural export product of the time: coffee. Also, it helped to consolidate the hegemonic elite, giving them the material means to oppose the government of the Regeneración during the civil wars of the 19th century.

Keywords : transport system; railroad; Colombia.

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