Argentina's railway history and preservation efforts

Argentina's railway history is marked by the founding of the Sociedad de Camino de Hierro de Buenos Aires al Oeste on September 17, 1853. Following the fall of the Rosas government, the project was driven by prominent social figures and approved by Governor Pastor Obligado through the Law of Concession of the First Railway on January 12, 1854.

The construction of this initial line took four years and involved several engineers, including Verger, who prepared the original plans, Mouillard, who managed terrain leveling and water crossings, and Guillermo Bragge, who completed the work.

In the La Plata region, the Ferroclub Argentino has worked for three decades to preserve this industrial heritage. Based in Tolosa, the group began its preservation efforts in 1996 after members intervened to save locomotive 3166 from being destroyed during the demolition of a local warehouse.