The Colorado Midland Railway
The Colorado Midland Railway ran from Colorado Springs to Grand Junction, CO via the Rocky Mountains. (Right of way). Between Grand Junction and Glenwood Springs, the road used tracks that were jointly operated by the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad.
First proposed in 1883, trains began to run in 1887, and the entire line would be completed the following year.
It was once of the most difficult & expensive railroads to run, given the trajectory, although it was a very scenic journey. At some points through the route, winter snows did not typically melt until June, and operations were nearly impossible during the winter.
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Colorado Midland Railway near Cameron Cove, CO. Denver Public Library. |
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Map of the Colorado Midland Railway |
Through its relatively short life, it would run as an independent line, but also under the flag of the Santa Fe, (1890-1897) and Rio Grande Railroad. (1900-1917).
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Photo: A.W Dennis. High trestle on the Colorado Midland Railway, Leadville National Forest. |
Just over a year after a huge reversal of fortunes for the line, it found itself out of service in August, 1918. Spending the next two years looking for a buyer, it ultimately was abandoned and scrapped by 1922.
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