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This intricate 1925 chromolithograph map, titled Map of the Argentine Railways, was presented by the Buenos Aires & Pacific Railway Company, Limited. It covers the expansive railway network from the Atlantic to the Pacific and from Tocopilla to Isla Chiloé and Rawson. The map highlights various railways, color-coded by gauge and operator, with a particular focus on the routes operated by the Buenos Aires & Pacific Railway (BAPRO) in red. Insets provide detailed views of railway connections in Buenos Aires, Mendoza, San Juan, and San Rafael.

 The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a period of rapid industrialization and economic growth in Argentina, driven significantly by the development of its railway network. This expansion facilitated the export of agricultural products, particularly beef and grain, which were central to the nation's economy. By 1925, Argentina boasted one of the most extensive railway networks in Latin America, symbolizing its economic prosperity and modernization efforts.

 The map details a comprehensive array of railways, each represented with distinct colors and patterns for easy identification:

• Broad Gauge (5'6" or 1.676 meters): Buenos Aires & Pacific Ry., Villa Maria & Rufino Ry., Argentine Great Western Ry., Central Argentine Ry., Buenos Aires Great Southern Ry., Bahia Blanca & N.W. Ry., Buenos Aires Western Ry., Rosario to Puerto Belgrano Ry., and the National Government Line (Rio Negro).
• Middle Gauge (4'8½" or 1.435 meters): Entre Rios Ry., North East Argentine Ry., and Buenos Aires Central Ry.
• Narrow Gauge (3'3" or 1.00 meter): Transandine Ry., Province of Santa Fe Ry., Central Norte Ry., North Argentine Ry., Cordoba & N. Western Ry., Cordoba Central Ry., Cordoba & Rosario Ry., Cordoba Central Ry. (Buenos Aires Extension), Buenos Aires Midland Ry., and Province of Buenos Aires Ry. (Cia General).

 Detailed insets on the map provide closer views of railway connections in major urban areas:

• Buenos Aires: Illustrates the complex network converging in the capital city.
• Mendoza: Details the rail connections in the Mendoza region.
• San Juan: Highlights the railways in and around San Juan.
• San Rafael and Environs: Focuses on local railways in the San Rafael area.

Buenos Aires & Pacific Railway (BAPRO) History

The Buenos Aires & Pacific Railway Co. Ltd. (BAPRO) was a British-owned, broad gauge railway company, serving the Cordoba, San Luis, and Santa Fe provinces of Argentina. It was one of the ‘Big Four’ British-owned, broad gauge railway companies in Argentina, alongside the Buenos Aires Western Railway, Buenos Aires Great Southern Railway, and Central Argentine Railways.

• Founding and Early Years: Founded in 1872 by John E. Clark, who secured a concession from the Argentine government to construct a railway from Buenos Aires to Chile. The company registered as a joint-stock company in London in 1882.
• Major Developments: In 1886, the line between Mercedes (Buenos Aires) and Villa Mercedes (San Luis) was opened. In 1888, the Mercedes-Palermo line was completed, creating independent access to Buenos Aires. In 1898, BAPRO took over the Villa Maria and Rufino Railway, further expanding its network.
• Growth and Expansion: Under the leadership of John Wynford Philips from 1899 to 1934, BAPRO developed into a regional amalgamation of companies and lines, reaching from Buenos Aires to the Andes. Significant investments were made, including the construction of major stations and the establishment of company offices in Buenos Aires.
• Nationalization: BAPRO operated until 1948, when President Juan Perón nationalized the Argentine railway system. The company was incorporated into the Ferrocarril General San Martin network.

 The map and the history of BAPRO reflect the transformative impact of railway development on Argentina's economic and infrastructural landscape. Railways were pivotal in integrating remote regions into the national economy, facilitating agricultural exports, and promoting urbanization. The extensive network highlighted on this map underscores the strategic importance of railways in the country's growth and modernization efforts.