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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Denver and Rio Grande narrow gauge passenger train
Picture of a train traveling along the tracks, smoke billowing from its top.
Denver and Rio Grande narrow gauge passenger train
Narrow gauge engine #476 pulling a passenger train through Rockwood Canyon between Durango and Silverton, Colorado.
Denver and Rio Grande narrow gauge passenger train in Animas Canyon
A train travels along the side of a mountain. Below the cliff, a river runs alongside.
Denver and Rio Grande narrow gauge passenger train in Animas Canyon (Colo.)
Denver and Rio Grande Passenger Train traveling through a canyon.
Denver and Rio Grande narrow gauge passenger train leaving Durango (Colo.)
Front view of engine #478 parked in train yard, onlookers are standing along the side of the tracks.
Denver and Rio Grande narrow gauge passenger train leaving Durango (Colo.)
Train leaving the Durango depot; observers are watching it leave.
Denver and Rio Grande narrow gauge passenger train leaving Durango (Colo.)
Overhead view of train going over a bridge, town can be seen in background.
Denver and Rio Grande narrow gauge passenger train on its run to Silverton (Colo.)
Steam engine leaves station with people to the left watching the departure.
Denver and Rio Grande narrow gauge railroad
Train traveling over a bridge, smoke billowing from its engine.
Denver and Rio Grande narrow gauge railroad
Picture of the Denver and Rio Grande Narrow Gauge train traveling through the mountains from Durango to Silverton, Colorado.
Denver and Rio Grande narrow gauge railroad
Picture of the Denver and Rio Grande Narrow Gauge Train traveling through the mountains.
Denver and Rio Grande narrow gauge train
Photograph of the Denver and Rio Grande narrow gauge train traveling through the mountainside.

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