Ridgway in Ouray County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Ridgway Railroad Museum
The Rio Grande Southern Railroad
Mears' crowning achievement was the Rio Grande Southern Railroad. Incorporated in 1889, it ran from Ridgway, which Mears founded as the headquarters, through Telluride and Rico to Durango. It was 162 miles long and crossed more than 140 bridges and trestles.
Construction was completed in December, 1891. Wildly successful at first, Mears issued silver and gold passes and planned to extend the line to the west coast. However, the crash of silver prices in 1893 and closing of most of Colorado's mines dramatically affected the states railroads and the R.G.S. slid into receivership. For the next 60 years, the line survived despite snowstorms, rock slides and economic disasters.
During the Great Depression, the R.G.S. depended on a mail contract for steady cash flow. Delivering mail by steam train was expensive, so management decided to build automobile-based rail buses to carry mail, passengers and light freight. Seven of these vehicles, which became known as the "Galloping Geese" were built in the Ridgway roundhouse. They were so successful that the railroad stayed in business through 1951.
Dedicated Sept. 22, 2012, Al Packer Chapter 100, Colorado, E Clampus Vitus
Erected 2012 by E Clampus Vitus Al Packer Chapter 100 Colorado.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1891.
Location. 38° 9.18′ N, 107° 45.27′ W. Marker is in Ridgway, Colorado, in Ouray County. Marker can be reached from State Highway 62. The plaque is in front of the caboose at the Ridgway Railroad Museum, across the street from the Ridgway Fire Department. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 421 North Railroad Street, Ridgway CO 81432, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 16 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Beaumont Restoration (approx. 10.1 miles away); Ouray Elks Lodge (approx. 10.2 miles away); It's Our Fault (approx. 10.2 miles away); Untold Stories (approx. 10˝ miles away); Preserving the Past (approx. 10˝ miles away); San Juan Travel (approx. 10˝ miles away); This Marker in Memory of Rev. Marvin Hudson (approx. 13.8 miles away); Ute Homeland (approx. 15.4 miles away).
Credits. This page was last revised on June 11, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2019, by Frank Gunshow Sanchez of Hollister, California. This page has been viewed 350 times since then and 25 times this year. Last updated on June 10, 2022, by Matthew J Ebert of Gerlach, NV. Photos: 1. submitted on October 21, 2019, by Frank Gunshow Sanchez of Hollister, California. 2. submitted on June 10, 2022, by Matthew J Ebert of Gerlach, NV. 3. submitted on October 23, 2019, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.