Land Transportation in Southern Patagonia

Although the development of the region coincided with the advent of motorized vehicles, animal traction (horse and oxen) performed an essential role in rural areas where road construction was rudimentary or absent. Sturdiness was a prerequisite for any motor vehicle. Rail lines penetrated inland from the Atlantic ports of Puerto Deseado and Río Gallegos, but in general tracks were short and for specific industrial use.

[click images to enlarge]

Animal-Powered

carter
(9) taxi
c1920?
 
hunter
(10) hunter
c1920?

ox-power
(5) oxen
c1930
 
large cart
(16) large cart
c1930?
 
riders
(14) riders
c1940?

Steam-Driven

traction engine
(8) traction engine
c1910
 
mixed freight
(4) train for workers and cargo
c1950

Car, Bus and Truck

fire vehicle
(17) fire vehicle
1918
  river crossing
(6) river-crossing (a)
c1924
 
river crossing
(7) river-crossing (b)
c1924

Sutherland family car
(1) saloon
c1930
  open car
(15) open car
c1930
 
farm truck
(11) farm truck
1935

car in snow
(13) stuck in snow
c1935
 
bus at rural hotel
(14) bus stop
c1940?

punctured tyre
(3) puncture
1941
 
creative travel
(2) outing
1941

Photo credits: Marco Álvarez (9,10,12,14); Manuel Becerra (2,3); Jens Beyersdorf (5); Ana María & Marta Borič (13,15); Antonio Dougnac (6,7); Carlos González (11); Rae Gregory (1); Felipe Kusanovic (16); Ángela Rodríguez (4); Mauricio Rosas (17); Michael Saunders (8)
Additional thanks: Beatriz Fernández (13)
Last updated: 8-VII-2006