Durango was founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway in 1879. The railroad arrived in Durango on August 5, 1881 and construction on the line to Silverton began in the fall of the same year. By July of 1882, the tracks to Silverton were completed, and the train began hauling both freight and passengers.
The line was constructed to haul silver & gold ore from the San Juan Mountains, but passengers soon realized it was the view that was truly precious.
They are wonderful shots.
ReplyDeleteNice shots of this old narrow gauged steamer. Love the sound of these old chuggers!
ReplyDeleteSo how many people were yelling; "get off the track! Get off the track!" when you were taking the first shot? LOL
ReplyDeleteThey are all nice shots but the first one looking down the rail is pretty damn good!
Love old trains, what a beauty you've found and captured with your photography! Especially like the 3rd shot down.
ReplyDeleteFor a piece of equipment like this to still be in operation after 130 years is a testament to the people who designed and built it!