Durango, Colorado – 2025

Archival Pigment Print

“In 1860, a group of prospectors ventured into the San Juan Mountains seeking riches. They discovered gold and silver deposits along the Animas River, naming the area “Baker’s Park”. Despite news of the discovery spreading, the Civil War, and the fact that the land belonged to the Ute Indians, delayed miners from returning until the early 1870s.

But in 1874, Silverton’s town site was established, quickly becoming the hub of numerous mining camps. Alongside miners, the town attracted the attention of a Denver railroad company with the ambition to build a track up this formidable canyon.

Eight years later, the inaugural train from Durango, operated by the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, arrived in Silverton. This extraordinary achievement was a testimony to the ability of 19th century engineers. By 1883, Silverton boasted a population of 2,000, featuring 400 buildings, including two banks, five laundries, 29 saloons, hotels, and the notorious red-light district, Blair Street.

The beauty and grandeur of the canyon up to Silverton makes the railroad one of the world’s great visual treats.