Learn more about the little train that could, the Durango-Silverton Railroad.
|
|
In 1860 it was said, "Rails will never breach those crags. Only a bird or a burro can take men into the Rocky Mountains."
A General William Palmer took up this challenge in 1870, when he formed the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. Palmer set the track gauge at 3’ or nearly one meter, one-third smaller than the growing American standard. This “narrow gauge” had a profound affect on Colorado helping create and maintain the mining boom in the high mountain valleys here.
|
Narrow gauge cars are less expensive and can make sharper turns. It’s also less expensive to install rails, since a narrower path needs to be carved out of the mountainsides. Through the years, this line carried over $300 million in precious metals. From the very beginning, it was promoted as a scenic tour and today it only carries passengers.
The train needs 10,000 gallons or 26,400 liters of water and 6 tons or 5500 kilos of coal for a round trip. Its average speed is 18 miles or 29 kilometers an hour.
When mining dropped off, the train line almost disappeared into history. A determined staff kept it alive by promoting tourism. In 1949, Hollywood “discovered” the train and it was cast in the movie “Colorado Territory”. The train has starred in many roles since 1949 including some of my favorites like “Around the World in 80 Days”, “How the West was Won”, and “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”. This exposure and the resulting tourism is what turned the tide for the train, and today it continues to be maintained by a dedicated staff.
|
|
Order a Free Travel Planner to this or other Weekend Explorer with Jeffrey Lehmann destinations. Get
it now! |
