And the West is History: D&SNG Roundhouse Fire Aftermath – 1989

On Feb. 10 1989, the 108-year-old Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad roundhouse burned to the ground with six operable steam locomotives inside. The engines were salvageable and with many hours of work were reconditioned and put back in service. The roundhouse was rebuilt and opened about one year later. Incredibly, not one 1990 summer passenger trips was lost to the fire. This aerial view taken soon after the blaze shows the destruction of the building. The charred remains of the roundhouse with the six damaged engines visible can be seen at the upper left of the depot and turntable. – Ed Horvat for Animas Museum, edhorvat@animasmuseum (Catalog Number: 17.18.44 from the La Plata County Historical Society Photo Collections)