Narrow gauge train in Platte Canyon

Abstract

Photograph showing the narrow gauge train stopped in an unidentified town in Platte Canyon. This railroad line through Platte Canyon was built by the Denver, South Park and Pacific Railroad (DSP&P). During the 1870s, the DSP&P was in competition to be the first railroad to reach Leadville. The DSP&P began the construction of their line in 1876 and by 1879 they had laid tracks across South Park and beyond. The DSP&P completed the High Line to Leadville in 1884. During the 1880s, the DSP&P also built branch lines in the area. Although the railroad served a vital economic role in South Park for many years, it was never a financial success and underwent several changes in ownership. During the 1920s and 1930s the railroad repeatedly sought abandonment of the line, but Park County fought its removal because the railroad was paying almost one-third of the county's taxes. Train service ended in 1937, and the tracks were pulled up the following year.