Trains and Trout
Before there was a reservoir here, three towns existed along the banks of the Gunnison River. The Denver & Rio Grande Railroad hauled both freight and passengers to the towns of Iola, Cebolla, and Sapinero. Sightseers came for the Rocky Mountain scenery. Anglers came for the legendary trout of the Gunnison River.
As automobiles grew in popularity, the railroad industry could no longer be financially competitive. Train service to the three towns ended in 1954. Tourism dropped hard and the local economy suffered. An idea was proposed that could rejuvenate the economy — create a reservoir. The buildings of the towns were either moved or destroyed. The town sites of Iola, Cebolla, and Sapinero are now underwater.
Cebolla, Colorado
The Sportsman's Hotel in Cebolla was a renowned destination among anglers and big game hunters. The historic location of the resort is just west of here.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Railroads & Streetcars
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Location. 38° 28.962′ N, 107° 12.262′ W. Marker is near Gunnison, Colorado, in Gunnison County. Marker is on U.S. 50, on the left when traveling west. Marker is at a roadside pulloff in Curecanti National Recreation Area, about 16.5 miles west of Gunnison. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Gunnison CO 81230, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Forming a Pinnacle (approx. 3˝ miles away); If You Only Knew (approx. 3˝ miles away); a different marker also named Trains and Trout (approx. 5.1 miles away); Wayne N. Aspinall (approx. 5.6 miles away); Crossing the Canyon (approx. 5.6 miles away); Storage Units (approx. 7.8 miles away); Riverfront Recreation (approx. 9.8 miles away).
Also see . . .
1. Curecanti National Recreation Area History & Culture. (Submitted on October 28, 2020, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Sportsman's Home, Cebolla, Colo. Photo, 1910 (Denver Public Library). (Submitted on October 28, 2020, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. Cebolla, a famous fishing place on Gunnison River, Colorado, photo c.1910 (Library of Congress).
Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 28, 2020, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 129 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 28, 2020, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
