2-969-722 - /Heritage Images

Opening of the Valparaiso and Santiago Railway - Train leaving the Valparaiso Station, 1856. View after a photograph by 'Mr. Martineau, one of the engineers of the line...The inauguration of the first eight miles...took place on the 16th of September...in the presence of about twenty thousand people...The station had been prettily decorated with triumphal arches...the locomotives were introduced, and the ceremony of the benediction took place, the Bishop spreading his hands out towards the engines, and sprinkling them with holy water...Immediately after the ceremony had taken place the Governor of Valparaiso, the Bishop, the Directors of the Railway, and about 500 guests, started in a train along the line - the engine (La Empressa), which was gaily decorated with Chili flags, being driven by Mr. Lloyd, the chief engineer of the Railway'. From "Illustrated London News", 1856.