Hanging rock and Colorado Central Railroad tracks in Clear Creek Canyon

Abstract

Stereopair showing the Colorado Central Railroad narrow gauge tracks in Clear Creek Canyon and the hanging rock, which was created by the blasting done during the construction of the rail line. During the 1860s William A. H. Loveland began plans to build a transcontinental railroad line that would run through Golden, bypassing the rival town of Denver. The grading for the Colorado Central Railroad line was begun in 1868. The narrow gauge rail line from Golden reached the first of the mining towns in 1871. Other towns further up the canyon were connected by 1878. Passenger and freight trains made daily round trips, carrying supplies to the mines and towns and ore to Golden and further east. It is estimated that approximately 75 tons of supplies were transported to the mining towns daily.