Skip to main content

Durango

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge railway runs along the Highline.
Society: ASCEMain Category: CivilSub Category: Roads & RailsEra: 1880-1889DateCreated: 1882DurangoState: COCountry: USAWebsite: http://www.asce.org/project/durango-silverton-narrow-gauge-br-of-the-d-rgwr/Creator: Palmer, William Jackson , Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad

The Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Branch of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad extends from the town of Durango to the mining camp of Silverton. Built in 1882 through one of the most rugged mountain areas of the nation, its complexity remains a testament to the role civil engineering played in the development of the western United States. 

The tracks rise up the sheer, steep Animas Canyon, running along a rock ledge just wide enough to carry the train. The line is used today as a tourist attraction, carrying visitors through the picturesque San Juan Mountains.

YearAdded:
1968
Image Caption: Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge railway runs along the Highline.Era_date_from: 1882
Subscribe to Durango

Innovations

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge railway runs along the Highline.

The Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Branch of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad extends from the town of Durango to the mining camp of Silverton. Built in 1882 through one of the most rugged mountain areas of the nation, its complexity remains a testament to the role civil…

Read More

We hope you enjoyed this essay.

Please support America's only magazine of the history of engineering and innovation, and the volunteers that sustain it with a donation to Invention & Technology.

Donate

Stay informed - subscribe to our newsletter.
The subscriber's email address.