In 1964, the nonprofit Colorado Railroad Historical Foundation was formed to assume ownership and operation of the Museum. Daniel McAdams … Each week’s theme is … In 1862, the Central Pacific and the Union Pacific Railroad Companies began building a transcontinental railroad that would link the United States from east to … Established in 1958, this museum has the largest collection of historic records, mementos, artifacts, photos and stock of Colorado railroads. History The types of services we call “public utilities” have existed in Colorado since the late 1800s, beginning with the railroad boom of the 1870s. “ From the moment … The Walsenburg Train depot was the hub for North, East, South and West passengers. The gentle rock of the rails has set the rhythm of our lives. One of the most popular and booming fields in the city’s history is that of the railroad, which can be seen in these 13 rare photos via our friends at History Colorado. Union Pacific. Daniel McAdams Photography If you ask the curators of the Comanche Crossing Museum, they will tell you this is one serious political ploy on the part of President Ulysses Grant. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) granted the Rio Grande railroad authority to discontinue trains No. This ideal route for seeing Colorado in its autumn-color … Indexed map of Colorado showing the railroads in the state, and the express company doing business over each, also counties and rivers. The original railroad reached Georgetown in 1877. Thank you! 1872 – The Colorado Central line connects to Colorado’s gold mines for the first time with narrow gauge rail technology Denver & Rio Grande Western, Colorado's Other Noted Narrow-Gauge. Burlington Railroads and Colorado &, Southern ran 712 miles from Wendover, WY to Dalhart, TX via Denver, Pueblo and Walsenburg. Abandoned Rails of Colorado CO. Colorado. In 1879, the company began extending the track south and purchased the land that would become the San Antonio Junction—and Antonito was the community that built up around it. Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad. Interpretive signs have been installed around the property, the downstairs of the Museum has been remodeled into a temporary exhibit venue, restoration efforts continue at a renewed pace and the Museum continues to add historic pieces to its collection. In 1885, there were electric street lights in central Denver, and a telephone line from Denver to Pueblo. Click here for a larger version (234kb). You'll receive your first newsletter soon! That year the Denver Pacific Railway & Telegraph Company was chartered to … Lovingly restored and expertly maintained tracks and trains, and the ever-changing vistas they provide access to, will bring you to the edge of your seat as you marvel at the narrow ledges they nimbly wind around and the view of the precipitous drops to the deep canyons below. on Amazon.com. 15-acre railyard with over 100 locomotives is waiting for you to explore. Encyclopedia of Western Railroad History: The Mountain States : Colorado, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming "View of the Union Pacific Railroad Company shops in Denver, Colorado. 6 & 7. The Arkansas Valley Railway Kit Carson to Las Animas, CO CO | AVRy, KPRR The Aspen Branch Woody Creek to Aspen, CO CO | D&RGW, SP Boettcher to Buckeye, CO CO | UP The Boulder Industrial Lead Eastlake to Valmont, CO CO | UP Brighton to St. Vrains, CO CO | UP Carbon Junction, CO to Chama, NM CO, … Historic Railroads in Colorado. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: Annie is a freelance writer, content editor, and marketing whiz with a background in broadcasting and a passion for chicken nachos. The Denver Pacific Railroad was completed on June 26, 1870. One of the most popular and booming fields in the city’s history is that of the railroad, which can be seen in these 13 rare photos via our friends at History Colorado. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Uintah Railway Company closed in 1939, the Silverton Northern in 1942, the Rio Grande Junction in 1941, the Midland Terminal in 1949 and the Rio Grande Southern in 1951. #3 of 11 Tours in Leadville. There's something amazing about trains. Colorado Railroad: 1938 1957 N/A Colorado Railroad: CB&Q: 1906 1930 Colorado and … Recognizing the need to invest in infrastructure, the Board of Trustees started taking major financial steps to improve and expand the Museum. Let’s take a look: For even more Denver history, click on This Is What Denver Looked Like 100 Years Ago…It May Surprise You. Let’s take a look: We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. From 1882 to 1918, the San Juan mining district produced more than $65 million in ores. Can you believe it; The Slim Princess reunion was three years ago this month! Join us for The Friday Tour 1 p.m. - 2 p.m! Love Colorado? It was decided to push the railroad up the valley another two miles to the neighboring mining camp of Silver Plume. Welcome to Colorado Railroads, a site for the fans of past and present railroads serving the Centennial State in the USA.Its editor is a Colorado native, whose fascination with trains started at age 5 in Durango with the smell of creosote, sweat, steam, and coal smoke, the sight of a headlight and smokestack down the tracks, and the sound of an engine whistle echoing off canyon walls. Hop aboard and learn about Colorado's fascinating railroad lines, towns, and unique characters that created Colorado's rich railroad history in Claude Wiatrowski's Railroads of Colorado: Your Guide to Colorado's Historic Trains and Railway Sites.With a focus on the historical significance of each line, Railroads of Colorado … Silverton’s population soon doubled to 2,000. The familiar whistle has always promised adventure. The manuscript collection includes papers from the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad, Union Pacific Railroad, Northwest Terminal Railroad, San Luis Railroad and the San Juan Railroad. Visit the Depot General Store with thousands of train gifts for every rail fan. Colorado is home to the finest scenic railroads in the country. Indexed map of Colorado showing the railroads in the state, and the express company doing business over each, also counties and rivers. Every Friday, join us for an hour of exploring a different aspect of Colorado’s railroad history with a themed, guided tour! The Durango & Silverton is owned and operated by American Heritage Railways. Get more stories delivered right to your email. The district’s production was only $97,000 the year the railroad arrived, but it more than quadrupled to $400,000 the next year. It is intended to be a one-stop source of reference material on these railroads, with an emphasis on the 1950's and 1960's period. Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! Since its founding in 1858, the Denver metro area has seen a number of different industries come and go, some significantly more prosperous than others. In the late 1940s when Colorado’s narrow gauge railroad companies started going out of business, Robert W. Richardson began collecting rolling stock, railway records, and other pieces of equipment in an effort to preserve Colorado history. More Classic American Railroads. Locations of all railroad lines in Colorado. Most trains offer passenger service during most of the year. Gold had first attracted attention t… Antonito owes its existence to the expansion of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. Railroads in Colorado, 1858-1948 Railroads played a significant role in the overall development of Colorado. 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Encyclopedia of Western Railroad History: The Mountain States : Colorado, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming [Robertson, Donald B.] There are many train lines that grace the local railroads that are still in use. At this point in history, the ferry was considered a part of the railroad system, which allowed the UP&CP to claim they had completed the first transcontinental railway. After hiring permanent full-time staff, the Museum built the Robert W. Richardson Railroad library in 1997, finished the track loop in 1999 and completed the roundhouse and turntable in 2000. Today, you can take a passenger train ride across the state via Amtrak, or a historic tour on a narrow gauge track. Map of the Abandoned Rails of Colorado. Colorado … Ride along the Royal Gorge Route, Colorado’s oldest scenic railroad, to learn about its complicated history with the local railroad industry. Group rates and programs are available. Collecting railroad material has been a longstanding priority of the Western History Department, and our resources are vast. Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, C&S Parent Road. Experience it again at the Colorado Railroad Museum with over 100 narrow and standard gauge steam and diesel locomotives, passenger cars, cabooses HO Model Railroad and G-scale garden railway on our 15-acre railyard. How time flies. 800-365-6263 | info@crrm.org17155 W. 44th Avenue, Golden, Colorado 80403, MembershipVolunteerDonationOnline StoreContact UsStaff & BoardLogin to Account. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. Robert W. Richardson and Cornelius W. Hauck opened the Colorado Railroad Museum in 1959. A trolley car is near the buildings, as well as a roundhouse and smokestacks (c. Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad. Map of the Abandoned Rails of Colorado. Contributor: Rand McNally and Company Date: 1879 1865 Colorado & Clear Creek Railroad (C&CC) -first railroad chartered in Colorado, to be built from Golden up Clear Creek to … Leadville. A History Of Colorado's Railroads. The Burlington and Colorado &, Southern Railroads. Denver's RailRoads is a website dedicated to the that connected directly or indirectly with other railroads at Denver. Historically, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad was a scenic route for passenger service. This authority meant the last run of the two trains would be on July 27. The Colorado and Wyoming Railroad, a subsidiary of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, constructed a line connecting Dewitt, Nebraska to Cheyenne, Wyoming. Contains information about the priority of tracks, whether they are in service or not, their military value, locations of abandoned tracklines, types of passenger services including Amtrak, Commuter, Rapid and Tourist Lines, the area that they service and the lengths of lines. Shows relief by hachures, drainage, counties, cities and towns, roads, and the railroads … Abandoned Rails of Colorado CO. Colorado. 2, the daily passenger trains between Denver and Salida, on July 28. With a great deal of financial backing it was completed to Cheyenne in 1870. Colorado has a rich history of railroads and trains. The Museum has experienced many positive changes since 2000. The Denver & Rio Grande Antonito Depot serviced freight and passengers alike headed to Santa Fe, Durango, Silverton, and New Mexico. Encouraging its volunteer tradition, the Museum allowed volunteers to actively restore collection pieces. This included the Bob & Julie Shank collection from Durango, which brought in the rare and unique narrow gauge motor cars Geese Nos. Every Friday, join us for an hour of exploring a different aspect of Colorado’s railroad history with a themed, guided tour! Check back for updates. Colorado Railroads — Existing and Our Vision. Colorado Railroad History. This company went through a few name changes before becoming the Colorado Central Railway in January, 1868. One of Colorado's most famous railroad engineering feats is just 42 miles from Denver. Many Colorado railroad companies closed down in the late 1940s and 1950s, when falling ore prices and increasing operating expenses made business unprofitable. This is a work in-progress. Join us for The Friday Tour 1 p.m. - 2 p.m! Today the railroad continues to provide year-round train service, operating an authentic, vintage train. * Colorado's first operational railroad was the Denver Pacific Railway & Telegraph Company. Read our railroads blog. Each railroad offers unique experiences and breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains you won't soon forget. ColoRail envisions passenger rail service from at least Ft. Collins to Pueblo. Fueled by the mining boom, Colorado’s railroad history is fascinating, beginning in the 1860s. The arrival of the railroad marked the start of an extended mining boom in Silverton and the rest of San Juan County. Then, and now, our mission is dedicated to preserving for future generations a tangible record of Colorado’s dynamic railroad era and particularly its pioneering, narrow gauge mountain railroads. “ The route through the mountains is beautiful and the gorgeous restored Pullman cars of the Rio Grande railroad were comfortable and charming to ride in for the 2 hour trip to the venue. Shows relief by hachures, drainage, counties, cities and towns, roads, and the railroads with names along the lines. In remembrance of that special weekend take a look at the photo gallery and all the wonderful pictures from that weekend.. As for current events, well, sadly, there hasn’t been any. Colorado’s historic railroads each have a unique history and charm. Title from cover. The track became the first major railroad to serve the Colorado Territory. Since its founding in 1858, the Denver metro area has seen a number of different industries come and go, some significantly more prosperous than others. Take a step back into history and book a trip on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad in Chama, New Mexico, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Durango, Colorado, or the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad in Alamosa, Colorado. In the late 1940s when Colorado’s narrow gauge railroad companies started going out of business, Robert W. Richardson began collecting rolling stock, railway records, and other pieces of equipment in an effort to preserve Colorado history. With the help of volunteers he started laying track for 50 pieces of equipment and built a motel to help fund the Museum. Incorporated in 1867 it was designed to link Denver by rail after the Union Pacific elected to bypass the Frontier town on its way to meet the Central Pacific. The challenge: Silver Plume was … Many of the Colorado railroads that are still being used, are being used for their original purposes (usually freight). “... guide and his … 6.) 1890)." The Arkansas Valley Railway Kit Carson to Las Animas, CO CO | AVRy, KPRR The Aspen Branch Woody Creek to … With the help of Museum trustee Cornelius Hauck, volunteers and railfans, Bob Richardson was able to purchase over twenty pieces of full-size rolling stock during this period. During its heyday, over 11 passenger trains came through Walsenburg every day. This map shows Colorado’s rail system, with highlights of the two Amtrak routes and ColoRail’s vision for Front Range Passenger Rail. By 1885 the district’s production reached $1 million per year, and in the 1890s it hit more than $2 million. The C&S's earliest predecessor was the Colorado & Clear Creek Railroad, which was chartered on February 9, 1865 as a narrow-gauge mining railroad. Each week’s theme is explored using a variety of museum resources to help bring the subject to life, and guests are welcome to […] Find out more » Also, see our exhibit galleries, renowned library, Roundhouse restoration facility and working turntable. At one point, more than 2,000 miles of narrow-gauge track probed the mountains of Colorado, and the exciting era comes to life at the Colorado Railroad Museum. From classic 1950’s era streamliners of the Royal Gorge Route railroad to steam trains that traverse the rugged Colorado Rocky Mountains, these Colorado Scenic Rails provide a way to relax and enjoy civilized travel and a taste of Colorado history and heritage. The Iron Horse Motel was originally located where the roundhouse now sits. Bob’s collection quickly outgrew the available space at his Museum in Alamosa, Colorado and in 1958, with the help of his friend Cornelius Hauck, Richardson moved the Museum to Golden, Colorado. THE COLORADO RAILROAD MUSEUM. Once in Golden, Richardson built a replica narrow gauge railroad station to serve as the main Museum building. Colorado Railroad: 1938 1957 N/A Colorado Railroad: CB&Q: 1906 1930 Colorado and Southern Railway: Colorado Railway: DRGW: 1883 1888 Denver and Rio Grande Railroad: Colorado Central Railroad: CB&Q: 1869 1890 Union Pacific, Denver and Gulf Railway: Colorado Central and Pacific Railroad: CB&Q: 1866 1869 Colorado Central Railroad: Colorado … At this point in history, the ferry was considered a part of the railroad system, which allowed the UP&CP to claim they had completed the first transcontinental railway. 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