Colorado Marine Officer

Posts Tagged ‘Durango-Silverton’

When the head of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, General William J.Palmer, concocted his ambitious plan to extend the line through the animas Valley to the ore-laden town Silverton, he knew his board of directors would balk at the risk. Undeterred, he decided to build the extension, keeping its location top-screet until it was complete 11 months later. This narrow-gauge railroadon the high cliffs of the animas Gorge, 200 feet above the river, opened in 1882 and was such an immediate success that the board overlooked the ploy. The reason for the railroad’s success, then and now, is the spectacular scenery offered as the well-restored train follows the animas River canyon with views of majestic peaks in all directions.