Note XXVII-21 — Chapter XXVII · CENTRAL AMERICAN INSTITUTIONS. 1886.

San José, the national capital, was founded a little more than 100 years ago, owing its existence to the earthquakes which nearly destroyed Cartago, the old capital. San José is situated on an elevation of about 4,500 ft., upon the table-land formed between the mountains of Dota or Herradura on the south, and those of Barba on the north. On one side flows the river Torres, and on the other the María Aguilar. Its streets are paved, straight, and forming right angles. The dwellings are mostly of a single story, with spacious courts; there are, however, a good many buildings of two stories. The majority are made of adobe, plastered over; but the national palace is of stone, and a fine building. An aqueduct supplies the city with water from the Torres, though a large portion of the fluid consumed is drawn from the wells existing in almost every house. Besides, the government palace, the university, Mora theatre, some of the churches, and a few other buildings, do honor to the city. The electric light was introduced in 1884. Cartago, the oldest town in the state, though it has lost its political importance, and has been shattered by earthquakes, retains some traces of its former magnificence. It is gradually improving. Molina, Bosq. Costa R., 51; Astaburuaga, Cent. Am., 50; Squier's Cent. Am., 463-4; Boyle's Ride Across a Continent, ii. 217; Laferrière, De Paris à Guatém., 47; Wappäus, Mex. und Cent. Am., 364-5; Costa R., Informe Gobern., 1874, 2-3; El Cronista, S. F., Oct. 18, 1884.