The aim of this paper is to measure the influence of the railroad in the urbanization of Spain between 1860 and 1910. Our sources are from quantitative information –censuses of population– and qualitative one –coastal condition, existence of mining industry or industry, administrative capital and date of the railway connection–. We have estimated a first model of data panel in differences. Based on this model we have employed different estimation techniques in order to address omitted variables and/or endogeneity of the train variable. Results from all estimations give us clear evidence of the positive influence of the railroad on the urban growth. In addition a quasi-experiment design reinforces this conclusion. In short, although moderate, our paper shows strong evidence of the influence of the railroad on Spanish urbanization. This conclusion is coherent with other research.
