And the West is History: D&RGW Washout – ca. 1934

Though technically not a derailment, this washout of Denver & Rio Grande Western tracks proved to be a challenge for the railroad workforce. A torrent of water from a severe rainstorm likely tore out the small trestle or culvert at this spot, thought to be southeast of Durango as the railroad made its way toward Chama. The railroad-owned crane was used to repair the washout, shore up the tracks, and allowed the train to be moved from the precarious situation. – Ed Horvat for Animas Museum, edhorvat@animasmuseum.org (Catalog Number: 86.03.49 from the La Plata County Historical Society Photo Collections)