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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Dolores River Canyon in "Narrow Gauge Country"
Dolores River Canyon in "Narrow Gauge Country" black and white photograph on postcard.
Double header narrow gauge train
Steam engine smokes its way through the mountains and past Shalona Lake.
Double header narrow gauge train (Colo.)
Steam engine smokes its way past Shalona Lake. (Same as Postcard 110 in Volume 2 in the Webber collection, but more vivid color).
Durango
Picture of Main Street Durango. Cars are seen parked along the side streets. The caption "Durango" is printed on the front.
Durango
Color photo of a street in Durango, Colorado. The caption on front reads "Durango".
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge
A view of a train traveling through the mountains, over a river. Caption on front reads "Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge".
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge
Color photo of a train traveling through the mountains. The caption reads "Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge".
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Color photo of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad traveling over a river.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Color photo of a train traveling through pine-dense mountains.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Picture of a canyon with a river flowing briskly at its base. A train can be seen in the top left corner.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Depot (Durango, Colo.)
Picture of the train depot. Two trains can be seen outside and several people are standing nearby.
Durango & Silverton narrow gauge railroad (Colo.)
Picture of the Durango and Silverton train winding its way through the mountainside.

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