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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- Narrow Gauge Railroad (Colo.)
- A narrow gauge train in the Durango station. Several people are standing nearby, watching the train.
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- Narrow Gauge Railroad Engine Durango, Colorado. Photo by Will
- Real black and white photo postcard of narrow gauge locomotive 319, in Durango, Colorado.
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- Narrow Gauge Train
- Picture of The Silverton narrow gauge passenger train traveling through the mountains along a narrow cliff above the Animas River in southwestern Colorado.
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- Narrow Gauge near Cumbres Pass, Colorado. 10,015 ft
- Black and white photograph of a narrow gauge train traveling through the mountains near Cumbres Pass, Colorado.
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- Narrow Guage Passenger Train
- Colored photograph on a postcard of the Narrow Gauge Passenger Train crossing the Animas River.
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- Narrow Guage Passenger Train
- The narrow gauge train is riding through a scenic valley. The smoke from the train is blowing over the tops of the passenger cars. Next to the tracks are telephone poles. In the background, a range of mountains can be seen.
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- Narrow Guage Railroad
- Color image of the Narrow Gauge Railroad train. It is bordered by a thin white border and then black, with orange text under the photo reading, "Narrow Gauge Railroad". The train is going over a bridge and it appears to be early spring.
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- Narrow Guage [sic] R.R. Engine
- Picture of a train engine and boxcar with the name "Jupiter" stamped on the side of the car.
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- Narrow Guage [sic] R.R. Engine (Colo.)
- Photo of the Denver & Rio Grande Train on the tracks under a bright blue sky.
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- Narrow Guage [sic] R.R. Engine, Durango, Colorado
- View of narrow gauge railroad engine #319 with attached Rio Grande boxcar
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- Narrow gauge (Colo.)
- The Denver & Rio Grande passenger train traveling along a cliff ledge on the trip between Durango and Silverton, Colorado.
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- Narrow gauge (Colo.)
- Picture of the Narrow Gauge train traveling alongside the Animas River at Elk Park on the trip between Durango and Silverton, Colorado.