Photo: Railroad construction

In winter 1882, work continued on the extension of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. Having arrived in Durango in August 1881, the next major goal was to make the connection to the rich gold and silver mines of Silverton. Work slowed somewhat through the winter, but the tracks and train arrived ready to serve the town in July 1882. This picture shows winter construction, probably just after the new year in 1882. The view looks north just beyond where the tracks cross Main Street at the intersection of 14th Street, Main Avenue and Camino del Rio. Read more about local history at durangoherald.com/westishistory.<br><br>Ed Horvat for The Animas Museum, edhorvat@animasmuseum.org