Unearthing Disappeared Cultural Landscapes: The Case of the Old Tram Route of the Pachuca-Real Del Monte Mining District, Hidalgo, Mexico

Abstract

The Pachuca-Real del Monte Mining District originated in the sixteenth century with the discovery of argentiferous veins. For their mining, it was necessary to draw paths, which became roads and corridors that were traveled by various types of transport. The topographical conditions and climate of the region influenced the definition of the routes that would later be traveled by railways and trams in the late 19th and early twentieth centuries. This research was carried out to recognize the historical stages of the routes in the mining district and the traces of railway tracks to promote the development of projects for tourist corridors that allow the revaluation of the landscape and its qualities, with a focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 –Sustainable Cities and Communities–. The route starts in the historic center of Pachuca and goes through the peri-urban area, which comprises the founding neighborhoods of this city, until reaching Real del Monte by rural roads. The traces of the routes that have been recorded and their current conditions were analyzed based on their soil type and potential for eco-tourist service stations, viewpoints, and supporting activities such as hiking and mountain biking, along with the tram rehabilitation. The goal is to contribute to the revaluation of the cultural landscape of the mining district by locals and visitors, as well as to contribute to the economic development and sustainability of the communities that make it up.