| Other efforts to
connect Chihuahua with the Pacific were begun as early as 1887, but after some
construction and a series of mergers, these attempts also proved to be unsuccessful. In
1899, realizing the railroads to be of first importance to the Nation, the government
enacted the Railroad Law of April 29, 1899. |
|
| An
earlier contract to a group headed by Enrique Creel and Alfredo
Breedlove now came under this authority and were subsidized under a contract to
complete a section of 124 miles from Chihuahua City to Minaca within two years. |
|
| These rights were
later sold to a new company founded by Arthur E. Stillwell, who —along with his partners— operated the
Chihuahua-Minaca line until late 1906. In 1900, Stillwell and associates also acquired a
concession to build a line between Ojinaga and Chihuahua. |
|
| By the end of 1910
there were three lines in operation; Chihuahua to Marquez, 87.5 miles; Minaca to Sanches,
83.7 miles; and Topolobampo to Hornillos, 85.5 miles. |
|
| Even with the
government subsidy, these isolated operations brought Stillwell to bankruptcy. However,
under a new administration, Stillwell's company, the Kansas City, Mexico y Oriente,
completed the line between Ojinaga and Chihuahua between 1910 and 1914. Due to the high
cost of construction and the technical difficulties encountered, construction in the
mountainous areas was never undertaken. |
|
| In 1940, the
Federal Government bought the Kansas City, Mexico y Oriente. A route through the difficult
portion of the mountains from Creel to Hornillos was designated and construction was
started in 1943. |
|
| In 1952, the
Federal Government acquired the Mexican Northwestern Railway Company, Ltd. and this, along
with the Kansas City, Mexico y Oriente and the Ferrocarril del Rio Mayo, were merged to
form the Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacifico. |
|
| The various links
were finally completed and joined in 1961 and Albert Owen's dream
was finally a reality. The completion of the Chihuahua-Pacifico —ChP— brought about significant
changes in the northern section of Mexico. |
|
| Tremendous changes
were brought about in the socio-economic fields in the areas. Population quickly increased
far above the national level. |
|
| The resultant
effect on the economy increased educational levels and brought about greater prosperity to
the people. |
|
| Accessibility into
the previously unreachable portions of the Sierra Madre Mountains expanded the mining
activities in an area rich in minerals of all descriptions, and added stimulus to the
tourist industry, which is one of the largest factors in the Mexican economy. |
|
| Privatization of
Railroad |
|
| In 1998, the
private rail franchise Ferromex
took over the railroad from the Mexican government. The government had operated all the
railroads since 1940. Ferromex has made a significant investment in a total modernization
program. |
|
| A
thorough renovation of the train stations is taking place in Los
Mochis, El Fuerte, Cerocahui,
Posada Barrancas, Creel, and the old train station with murals in Chihuahua City. |
|
| The train stations
have a new look with an emphasis on comfort and cleanliness. The newly painted structures
have refurbished entrances and clean, fully functioning bathrooms. The train track has
been repaired and brought up to industry standards. This assures added security, comfort,
and speed for the passenger trains. |
|
| Twelve
remodeled «Chepe» passenger cars are on first-class express service.
Soft southwest hues dress up the elegantly upholstered car interiors and comfortable,
reclining seats. New air-conditioning and immaculately clean windows and bathrooms
complete the fresh decor. The smartly uniformed personnel are ready to meet your every
need. |
|
| It is a pleasure to
dine in the new dining car freshly decorated with the same elegant upholstery and carpet
of the passenger cars. An excellently equipped kitchen serves delicious breakfasts,
lunches, and dinners daily. |
|
| The deluxe lounge
cars offer all varieties of drinks and a place for close camaraderie on the trip. Happy
hours and cocktail parties enliven everyone’s spirits. Both the dining cars and the
lounge cars are completely air-conditioned and are welcome additions to every train. |
|
| Ferromex is to be commended for
undertaking the extremely challenging task of offering first-class train service for
tourists on this extraordinary, remote route. This places the railroad in a unique world
class. The unforgettable sheer pleasure of riding this new train on the most dramatic rail journey in the western hemisphere
across 39 bridges and through 87 tunnels is a dream which has become a new reality. |
|
| This tour is
particularly for rail fans, but the fabulous scenery
and the Tarahumara Indians make the trip
enjoyable for non-rail fans as well. |
|
| TOP OF PAGE |
ESPAÑOL
The
Chihuahua/Pacifico Railroad —Chepe— as we know it today, was first the dream of Albert Kinsey Owen,
a member of the Utopia Socialist Colony of New Harmony, Indiana. 
