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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- Durango (Colo.)
- Overhead view of Durango, Colorado, with mountains in the background.
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- Durango (Colo.)
- A view of downtown Durango showing storefronts, a hotel and cars on the street.
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- Durango (Colo.)
- Photograph of the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge train with passengers on board.
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- Durango (Colo.)
- Street view of Main Street in downtown Durango, showing buildings and cars on the street.
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- Durango (Colo.)
- Overhead view of Durango and the Animas River.
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- Durango (Colo.) Bar D Lines Railroad
- Photograph of the Bar D Lines Railroad passenger train traveling on the tracks at the Bar D Chuckwagon in Durango, Colorado.
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- Durango (Colo.) Bar D Wranglers
- Picture of four members of the Bar D Wranglers on stage with their musical instruments and dressed in western wear at the Bar D Chuckwagon in Durango, Colorado.
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- Durango (Colo.) and the Animas Valley
- An overhead view of Durango, Colorado with the Animas River in the foreground and views of the mountains in the background.
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- Durango (Colo.) narrow gauge capital of the world
- Overhead view of downtown Durango, Colorado.
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- Durango (Colo.) railroad station
- Exterior shot of the Durango train station.
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- Durango (Colo.) view to the north on Main Street
- Street signs and street with cars and pedestrians.
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- Durango - Silverton narrow gauge
- A train travels along the side of a mountain through the Las Animas River Canyon.