Nunn in Weld County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
The Denver Pacific Railway
Photographed By Mark Hilton, June 30, 2018
1. Denver Pacific Railway Marker
When the Union Pacific Railroad decided to go through Wyoming instead of through Colorado, many people moved from the territory. Denver itself was shrinking. Former Governor John Evans rescued Colorado Territory by promoting a connecting railroad from Denver to Cheyenne. The new railroad received no federal bond subsidy as had the Union Pacific, but Congress provided a generous land grant to encourage investment. Grading began in 1868, and the road was completed in June, 1870. The tracks ran through this point. Denver Pacific agents encouraged settlers to purchase land on the company's grant, and Horace Greeley supported the idea of an agricultural colony in the pages of his New York Tribune. The Union Colony at Greeley (1870) was one result of these efforts. In 1880 the Denver Pacific was absorbed by the Union Pacific.
Erected 1965 by the State Highway Department, by the Department of Game, Fish, and Parks, and by the State Historical Society of Colorado from the Mrs. J. N. Hall Endowment. (Marker Number 7.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars
Photographed By Mark Hilton, June 30, 2018
2. View from the Denver Pacific Railway Marker north towards Weld County Road 100.
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Location. 40° 42.603′ N, 104° 46.901′ W. Marker is in Nunn, Colorado, in Weld County. Marker is on CanAm Highway (U.S. 85) south of County Road 100, on the right when traveling north. Located on a pullout on east side of U.S. 85. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: CanAm Highway, Nunn CO 80648, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Pierce, Colorado (approx. 5.3 miles away); Weld County Irrigation / Ault Country (approx. 9.1 miles away); Pvt Joe P. Martinez (approx. 9.2 miles away); Majestic Plains (approx. 12.8 miles away).
Also see . . . Wikipedia article on the Denver Pacific Railway. (Submitted on July 3, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
Photographed By Mark Hilton, June 30, 2018
3. View of marker looking east.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 3, 2018. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 251 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 3, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
