1837
189 years ago
OpeningCU
First Railway in Cuba Opens
Havana-Bejucal Railway
Havana
July 25, 1837
Summary
Cuba's inaugural railway line from Havana to Bejucal begins operations, marking the start of rail service in the Caribbean.
Full Story
On July 25, 1837, the Havana-Bejucal Railway opened as the first steam-powered line in Cuba and Latin America, using British-built locomotives to haul sugar and passengers over 17 miles. Engineered by American Alfred Cruger amid Spanish colonial rule, it overcame tropical terrain challenges and spurred economic growth by connecting ports to inland plantations. This pioneering effort influenced subsequent Caribbean rail networks and symbolized early industrial modernization in the region.
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Quick Facts
- Date
- July 25, 1837
- Event Type
- Opening
- Country
- CU
- Years Ago
- 189
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