Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Transport > Railway
Opening of the Congo railway, page from The Graphic
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Opening of the Congo railway, page from The Graphic
The opening of the Congo Railway: the inauguration ceremonies. A page from The Graphic, 3rd September 1898. Among the photographs on the page are those showing a march past of the troops at Boma, the first train stopping on the way, African princes assembled at Tumba to celebrate the arrival of the first train, and the constructors of the railway Messieurs Paulissen, Cito, Espanet and Goffin.
1898
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23041016
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
1898 Belgian Boma Ceremonies Colonialism Congo Graphic Inauguration Opening Trains Matadi
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Birds
> Gruiformes
> Rallidae
> African Rail
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Transport
> Railway
> Mary Evans Prints Online
> New Images August 2021
> Transportation
> Trains
EDITORS COMMENTS
This page from The Graphic, published on September 3, 1898, captures the historic opening of the Congo Railway in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo. The railway, a major infrastructure project of the Belgian colonial regime, connected the port city of Matadi on the Atlantic Ocean with the inland trading center of Boma, reducing the travel time between the two locations from several months to just a few days. The photograph shows various moments from the inauguration ceremonies. In one image, a grand march past of the Belgian troops at Boma displays their readiness to maintain order and protect the new railway. Another photograph captures the first train stopping on the way, marking the beginning of regular transport services. African princes and dignitaries are assembled at Tumba, eager to celebrate the arrival of the first train. Their presence signifies the involvement of local leaders in the colonial administration and the potential benefits the railway would bring to their communities. Messieurs Paulissen, Cito, Espanet, and Goffin, the constructors of the railway, are also featured in the page. Their successful completion of the project represented a significant achievement in the realm of colonial engineering and transportation. The railway not only facilitated the movement of goods and people but also served as a symbol of Belgian colonial power and influence in Africa during the late 1890s.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
