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.
Pages
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- Old Narrow Gauge Train at Durango, Colo.
- Black and white photograph of narrow gauge locomotive 346 of the Rio Grande Railroad in Durango, Colorado.
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- Only Colorado Narrow Gauge mixed train in Animas Canyon Durango to Silverton
- Black and white photograph of a narrow gauge train traveling through the mountains alongside a river.
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- Ophir Loop, Colorado, Narrow Gauge
- Black and white photograph of a narrow gauge train traveling the Ophir Loop, Colorado.
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- Palace Cabaret Lounge (Durango, Colo.)
- Color photograph of employees and customers at the Palace Cabaret Lounge, in Durango, Colorado.
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- Panorama of Durango (Colo.)
- Color photograph of downtown Durango with views of the train station in the foreground and the mountains beyond.
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- Panorama of Durango (Colo.)
- Color photograph of downtown Durango with the railroad station in the foreground and views of the mountains beyond.
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- Panorama of Durango (Colo.) from Smelter Hill
- Picture of Durango taken from the top of Smelter Hill showing the town and the mountains beyond.
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- Panorama of Durango (Colo.), elev. 6505 ft.
- Aerial view of Durango showing the river and the mountains surrounding the town.
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- Pinon Acres KOA, Kampgrounds of America (Durango, Colo.)
- Color photograph of the Pinon Acres KOA in Durango, Colorado, with a car pulling a camping trailer just leaving the site.
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- Pioneer narrow gauge railroad (Colo.)
- Color photograph of the narrow gauge passenger train traveling between Durango and Silverton, Colorado.
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- Pioneer narrow gauge railroad (Colo.)
- Photograph of the Denver and Rio Grande narrow gauge passenger train on its run between Durango and Silverton, Colorado.
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- Purgatory (Colo.)
- Winter view of the Day Lodge at Purgatory Ski Area, with skiers coming and going and people relaxing on the balcony and decks.