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Denver Rio Grande LbNA #9624

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Jul 25, 2004
Location:
City:Durango
County:La Plata
State:Colorado
Boxes:1
Planted by:Esmerelda
Found by: Wronghat
Last found:Aug 22, 2012
Status:FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFa
Last edited:Jul 25, 2004
Durango, unlike many other towns in the western United States, was not founded as a result of pioneers looking for gold. In fact, the town was based around the railroad. The Denver & Rio Grande Railroad originally intended to extend the railroad through Animas City to Silverton, on its way to Delta, but the residents of Animas City raised their asking price for land. The railroad decided it would be more profitable to establish their own town south of Animas City. Alexander Hunt, a director for the railroad, had just returned from a trip to Durango, Mexico and thought it would be a good name for their new town. Durango means “water town”, and was named so because of the beautiful Animas River. The first stake for Durango was driven in 1880, beginning the never-ending story of this little mountain town. Durango quickly flourished, as the railroad offered jobs and business opportunities. People from Animas City were anxious to join in this economic boom, and soon the two towns merged. Animas City was located where the north part of Durango now lays.

At the intersection of 32nd St and 2nd Ave, you will find the Animas City Park. At the southern end of the park the Needham School has placed a monument in memory of the Denver Rio Grande Railroad. From this monument, walk to the bridge that crosses the Animas River, but don't cross! Before you cross the tracks, turn left and take 27 steps between the tracks and the hill. Located between the striped triangle and the twin trees near the ground you will find the journal tucked behind some rocks in a small cave.

Handmade journal, hand carved stamp.
Watch for trains!
Please be discreet!