Costa Rica Has Many Firsts To Its Name

Costa Rica Has Led the Way in the Region

Costa Rica has other firsts to its name, and although they're not spectacular international events in themselves, they're worth mentioning because they were firsts in the Central American region. Such is the case of the telegraph which was established in 1869 and the lighting of the streets in San José in 1884. Arc lamps were installed and lit from 6:30 p.m. until dawn, but turned off on nights when the moon shone. In 1899 the first trolley cars ran up and down San José's Central Avenue. Service during the rainy season was offered from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and in the dry season from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Telephone service was started in 1886 and only the government offices had it, but by 1890 the service was extended to certain wealthy persons and a few hand- picked businesses.