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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D. & R. G. narrow gauge railroad (Colo.)
Picture of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad traveling through the plains. Mountains can be seen in the background.
D. & R. G. narrow guage [sic] trains
D. & R. G. Narrow Guage [sic] Trains leaving the railroad station at Durango, Colorado on the run to Silverton.
D. & R.G. narrow gauge, engine #478
Engine #478 is pulling a passenger train through the mountains on the Durango to Silverton scenic run.
D.& R.G.W. R.R. Narrow Gauge engine of the "Silverton". Silverton, Colorado (Elevation 9300 ft)
Black and white photograph of the Rio Grande train traveling through the mountains.
Denver & Rio Grande Western R. R.
Picture of Denver & Rio Grand [sic] train traveling through Cumbres Pass.
Denver & Rio Grande Western R. R.
Picture of the train traveling through the countryside between Alamosa and Durango, Colorado. Smoke is billowing from the engine.
Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad
Picture of the Denver & Rio Grande Train. Smoke is billowing out the top of the engine.
Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad
Picture of the Denver & Rio Grande Narrow Gauge Train.
Denver & Rio Grande locomotive #315
Picture of the Denver & Rio Grande train # 315.
Denver & Rio Grande narrow gauge passenger train
Picture of the narrow gauge passenger train running between Durango and Silverton, Colorado, as it enters Rockwood Canyon. (The Center has two of this card -- duplicates.)
Denver & Rio Grande passenger train
Color photo of passenger train traveling through the mountains.
Denver and Rio Grande Narrow Gauge Passenger Train
Photograph of the Denver and Rio Grande narrow gauge passenger train (#478) running between Durango and Silverton, Colorado.

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