100 years ago: It was announced that, effective March 1, the Rio Grande Southern would no longer operate as an independent railroad. It was to become a minor unit of the Denver and Rio Grande rail system, according to “reliable information” received by The Durango Democrat.
75 years ago: Seven snowslides covered the Silverton branch of the Rio Grande railroad and halted rail traffic. Work crews were dispatched and spent four consecutive days clearing the track.
50 years ago: Five men, appointed by the La Plata County commissioners, formed a planning group to determine what facilities would be included in the proposed community center project.
25 years ago: Mike Gordon, 21, accidentally shot himself in the thigh with a .357-caliber handgun. The firearm was in wedged in his pants and discharged a bullet into his right leg when he tried to remove it.
Most items in this column are taken from Herald archives, Center of Southwest Studies and Animas Museum. Their accuracy may not be verified.
