Ridgway in Ouray County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Ridgway Railroad Museum
The Rio Grande Southern Railroad
Photographed by Al Packer Chapter 100 E Clampus Vitus
1. Ridgeway Railroad Museum Marker
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
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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. It 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.
Regionally, this marker is in the Western Slope. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Photographed by Matthew J Ebert, June 10, 2022
2. On Display at the Ridgway Railroad Museum
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Galloping Goose No. 4 (a few steps from this marker); RGS Motor 1 (within shouting distance of this marker); D&RG(W) Caboose 91 (0575) (within shouting distance of this marker); RGS Coach 252 Restoration (within shouting distance of this marker); DRG(W) 5574 (within shouting distance of this marker); Ridgway Depot Outbuilding (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); True Grit Landmark #1 (about 300 feet away); True Grit Jail Wagon (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ridgway.
Ralph E. Hallock (courtesy of Denver Public Library), January 4, 1947
3. Rio Grande Southern Railroad (RGS) Goose 4 just out of Ridgway CO
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 602 times since then and 42 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.
