In 1871 a new Liberal Constitution is approved, originating a series of social, political and economical changes. The boundaries of the country were defined and the roads and railroads systems started a serious development.
Infrastructure for community and public services were built and major educational and economical reforms began. The first electric lighting system was started in San Jose in 1884, followed later by the systems in Cartago, Alajuela and Heredia. Water systems also became a priority of the State during the later part of the XIX century and first part of the XX century.