ORIENTAL RAILWAY
In 1898, President José María Reina Barrios (18921898) was assassinated. Later, one of the most nefarious characters in Guatemalan history, Manuel Estrada Cabrera (1898-1920), came to power. In 1903 the government contracted Adolfo Benz to build the 112 km (70 miles) between Zacapa and Anguiatu (current Customs between Guatemala and El Salvador). .
This project suffered several lengthy work stoppages, bankruptcies, and contract changes before IRCA (International Railways of Central America) finally completed the line in 1929.
Aerial cover commemorating the inauguration of the Eastern Railway on December 28, 1929
