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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- Greetings from Durango, Colorado
- Photograph of two people branding an animal in a corral, with several horses in the vicinity.
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- Greetings from Durango, Colorado
- Picture of a passenger train traveling through foliage with smoke billowing from the engine into stormy skies.
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- Greetings from Durango, Colorado
- Photograph of a man fishing below a waterfall on a river, with greetings from Durango, Colorado.
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- Greetings from Durango, Colorado
- A photograph of a man on horseback observing a herd of cattle at a watering hole.
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- Greetings from Durango, Colorado
- Photograph of a man fishing in a river with greetings from Durango, Colorado.
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- Greetings from Durango, Colorado
- Photograph of a man fishing in a river surrounded by pine trees and mountains, with greetings from Durango, Colorado.
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- Greetings from Durango, Colorado
- Photograph of a woman fishing in a river and showing off her catch, with greetings from Durango, Colorado.
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- Greetings from Durango, Colorado
- Photograph of a man in buckskin clothing and cowboy boots standing with a horse atop a rock formation, with greetings from Durango, Colorado.
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- Greetings from Durango, Colorado
- Postcard with two photographs separated by "Greetings from Durango, Colorado." The top photograph shows two riders on horseback at the edge of a lake, and the lower photograph shows a group of men and women sitting around a campfire alongside a river.
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- Greetings from Durango, Colorado.
- Photograph of a Native American woman in traditional dress and Indian jewelry standing on a brush covered hill, with greetings from Durango, Colorado.
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- Grizzly Peak, Highway U.S. 550 near Durango, Colorado
- Picture of snow-capped Grizzly Peak taken from U.S. Highway 550 near Durango, Colorado.
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- Grizzly Peak, Highway U.S.550 near Durango, Colorado
- Picture of snow-capped Grizzly Peak taken from U.S. Highway 550 near Durango, Colorado.