Estrada de Ferro Madeira-Mamoré



This was one of the most famous Brazilian railroads, also known as "A Ferrovia da Morte" (The Death Railway) or "Mad Maria". Due to tropical fever and other illnesses, many workers died, and a legend says that there is a dead man for each sleeper of this railroad. It was built in the northwestern Brazilian jungle in the beginning of the century, mainly to transport rubber. Ironically, its construction delayed so much that, when the railroad was ready, there was almost no rubber to transport. At that time, the cheaper Malaysian rubber production dominated the market. Eventually, the railroad survived until 1972, when a paralel road was built.



Click on the Photo to Expand it!




Other sites about the E.F. Madeira-Mamoré:


Questions? Comments? Please send me an E-Mail!

Last Update: 28 September 2001

Return to E.F. Brasil Main Page. © Antonio Augusto Gorni