Volume 2: Later Durango and Local Narrow Gauge Railroads
The town of Durango was created by Denver and Rio Grande Railroad Company to process ore from the mines in nearby towns and the railroad has been a significant factor in the town from 1882 until now. According to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, providing a scenic ride through the majestic San Juan Mountains for passengers was an important part of the train’s purpose from the start, along with hauling hauling gold and silver ore to the smelters. That continues to this day with over 200,000 passengers riding each year. (source) Durango is more than the train and tourism. Natural resources, food and beverage manufacturing, and lifestyle firms are key industries in La Plata County. (source) Durango is also home to Fort Lewis College. Originally an Army post and then later a boarding school for Native American students. Formed in 1911, Fort Lewis College moved to its current location on the mesa above town in 1956. “The Fort,” as it is locally known, is Colorado’s public liberal arts institution with close to 3,500 students who can choose from numerous majors. FLC embraces its responsibility to provide educational opportunities to the nation’s Native American and Indigenous students. Fort Lewis is particularly known for the success of its cycling teams that have accumulated over 20 national championships and was the top Division I team in 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2011. (source) A diversified economy in Durango is also flourishing. Durango is an immensely popular tourist destination, and consistently ranks as one of the “best places to live” in the United States. Many cite the spectacular natural resources surrounding the town and which provide incredible year-round outdoor recreation opportunities such as cycling, skiing, river rafting, fishing, hiking, and more.
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- Animas River Valley Durango, Colorado
- Color image of a blue and white car driving down the highway in the valley towards Durango, Colorado. Animas River is visible on the left with mountains next to the river and off in the background, with some snow still on them. Along the road are some buildings further into the image, on the left side of the road. I
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- Animas Valley (Durango, Colo.)
- An overhead view of Durango, Colorado, with trees aglow with yellow leaves and a river flowing through town.
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- Animas Valley near Durango, Colo.
- A black and white photograph of Animas Valley, near Durango, Colorado, with snow-capped mountains in the distance.
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- Bank of Durango (Durango, Colo.)
- Front of Bank of Durango under a blue sky.
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- Bar D Lines Railroad
- Picture of the Bar D Lines Railroad passenger train loaded with people in front of the Dalton Depot, located at the Bar D Chuckwagon in Durango, Colorado.
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- Bear in Durango, Colorado.
- A color photograph of a young bear foraging in the woods in Durango, Colorado.
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- Beautiful Old D&SNGR Depot
- The front of the Durango depot with a green lawn.
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- Bon Air Motel Durango, Colo.
- Picture of the exterior of the Bon Air Motel in Durango, Colorado. Blue skies are seen above and several cars are parked in the parking lot.
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- Camp Silver Spruce, Durango, Colo.
- Black and white real photo postcard of Camp Silver Spruce in Durango, Colorado.
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- Camp Silver Spruce, Durango, Colorado
- Camp Silver Spruce, Durango, Colorado; a real photo black and white postcard, produced during the White Border era.
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- Chez Louis French Restaurant Durango, Colo.
- Picture of dining room of Chez Louis French Restaurant in Durango, Colorado.
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- Chief Diner (Durango, Colo.)
- Chief Diner, front view. A greeting was written on the back of this postcard.