Once we’ve discovered Colorado’s wonders, the next step is protecting and preserving them in all their glory.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Posted inBusiness, Climate, News, Wildfire
Durango & Silverton railroad will pay feds $20 million for 416 fire damage, stop using coal to power summer trains
By Aedan Hannon, The Durango Herald The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and its parent company, American Heritage Railways, will pay $20 million to settle a federal lawsuit stemming from the 416 fire. Separately, lawyers for 40 La Plata and San Juan county businesses and landowners that sued the tourist railway to recoup losses […]
Posted inBusiness, News, Transportation
Durango & Silverton railroad operator wants to take on Old Tucson attraction in Arizona
TUCSON, Ariz. — A company that operates historic railroads in Colorado and North Carolina is poised to take over operations of Old Tucson, a western-themed attraction that served as a film set for classic movies, television productions and commercials, officials said. Pima County officials on Friday recommended that the county Board of Supervisors approve an […]
Posted inNews
“Glorified homelessness”: Even tiny Silverton is experiencing the housing crisis that’s crushing mountain workers
SILVERTON — Julian Roberts is lighting a campfire on the outskirts of Silverton, wind whipping smoke toward the painted school bus where he lives with his fiancée. He’s been camping out for weeks in the picturesque town of 600, nestled in a caldera among southwest Colorado’s highest peaks. It was a choice at first. It […]
Posted inBusiness, Coloradans, News
A historic San Luis Valley locomotive will tug passengers again thanks to a coal lot of love
ANTONITO – When Engine 168 chugs away from the station here in late June with about 60 passengers ensconced in four refurbished 19th century train cars, it will be the culmination of years of dreams, historic preservation work and an investment of nearly $4 million. And perhaps less visible but surely onboard will be the […]
Posted inColoradans, COVID, Economy, Growth, News, Politics and Government
How divided is Silverton? Just ask one of the town’s six administrators who came and went in the past seven years.
The town of Silverton has a marketing slogan; “Real Town. Real People. Real Fun.” Add to that: Real Turmoil. One of the highest-altitude municipalities in the country and most remote communities in Colorado is in the midst of its latest spasm of small-town tumult. The sixth town administrator in seven years is stepping down this […]
Posted inBusiness, Coloradans, Culture, News, Politics and Government
A cartoonish Native American towering over Durango has divided the city. Should “the chief” stay or go?
He has a wide grin under a big nose. A single feather dangles beside one of his braids. His hand is raised in a howdy-friendly wave. And his bow legs and moccasins are planted atop a commercial sign. He is “the chief,” a two-story-tall metal depiction of a Native American that has been part of […]
Posted inNews, Transportation
Storm damage to delay Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad’s service for months
DURANGO — A rainstorm washed out a significant portion of tracks used by a popular railroad in southwest Colorado, effectively cutting off part of its route for months. A storm in the past week or two brought down debris and caused a log jam at a bridge used by the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge […]
Posted inBusiness, Crime and Courts, News, Outdoors
Judge: Federal government’s lawsuit against Durango railroad over 2018 wildfire should proceed
By Jonathan Romeo, The Durango Herald DURANGO — In what could be a major blow to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a federal judge has recommended that a district court throw out the train’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit in which the U.S. government is seeking $25 million for fighting the 416 Fire. […]
Posted inBusiness, Coloradans, Culture, Transportation
Polar Express rings in the holiday season, but wide-ranging themes power Colorado tourist trains year round
Nostalgia for trains years ago launched a scenic railroad industry across North America and savvy train owners now are adding themed excursions to extend the business season and bring in new customers Nowhere is that more apparent than in Colorado, where specialty trains have boosted revenues to maintain the rail lines that once served miners […]