The Leadville, Colorado and Southern Railroad

The Leadville, Colorado and Southern Railroad has its beginnings dating back to 1980 when the Burlington Northern, successor to C&S parent Chicago, Burlington & Quincy sold off its depot, branch line, and all local rolling stock around Leadville, which was purchased by interests that would go on form the LC&S.

Today, when riding the LC&S it operates on a route that rises over 1,000 feet from the Arkansas River Valley, travels through Freemont Pass and provides for views of Colorado's two largest mountain peaks, Mt. Massive and Mt. Elbert. Overall the line operates through the San Isabel National Forest and lasts for more than 2 hours.

To give a brief history about Colorado & Southern parent, Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, the Burlington Route, as it is best remembered in name, was legendary for its Zephyr lightweight streamlined trainsets which were revolutionary and very successful when they debuted in 1934. Perhaps less recognized is the company itself, which because of sound business practices throughout its history was never in financial distress. The Burlington was also quite close with the communities it served making it beloved like few other railroads. Its legend continues to live on today in its passenger trains and Chicago main line which sees hundreds of successor, BNSF Railway, freight trains daily.

When created on March 2, 1970 the Burlington Northern Railroad became the largest railroad in the United States, save for the soon-to-be bankrupt eastern carrier, Penn Central, comprising a staggering nearly 27,000 mile system. An attempt to create the BN occurred no less than three previous times (all denied by the ICC on grounds of a monopoly) and was a dream of tycoon James J. Hill who had an interest in every line that comprised the system; the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy; the Great Northern; the Northern Pacific; and the Spokane, Portland & Seattle.

If you are considering riding the train and/or would like more information about the Leadville, Colorado and Southern Railroad please click here to visit their website. The views are well worth the ride on this little tourist line!