Colorado Central Railroad: Built To Serve The Gold Rush
Last revised: September 10, 2024
By: Adam Burns
The Colorado Central Railroad, often overlooked in the annals of American railroad history, was one of the state's famous narrow-gauge lines out of Denver. Born out of the great Colorado Gold Rush of the 1860s, the railroad would be the lifeline of the mining industry, connecting isolated mining towns with thriving markets.
One of the Colorado Central's most famous features was the innovative Georgetown Loop. Designed by engineering marvel Robert Blickensderfer, the loop allowed the train to climb an incredible grade without necessitating dangerous and expensive tunneling work. It was a feat of brilliance, elegance, and efficient design.
The Colorado mining boom was instrumental to the development of the Colorado Central. Prospectors and miners swarmed into the region, leading to a burgeoning demand for transportation of people, goods, and extracted minerals.
This gilded environment cultivated the rise of the Colorado Central, directly responsible for connecting and cultivating many mining towns that sprung up within the Clear Creek Canyon during this period.
In 1865, the first predecessor of what became the Colorado Central was incorporated. The railroad was largely complete by the mid-1880s and later became a division of Union Pacific before UP's bankruptcy saw the property come under Colorado & Southern control in the late 1890s.
Increased competition from trucks and automobiles eventually saw the railroad abandoned during the 1930s. Incredibly a section of the line, the famous Georgetown Loop, was rebuilt in the 1980s as a tourist attraction and still carries thousands of visitors annually.
History
While the Colorado Central is best remembered for handling a large staple of gold ore, traffic which continued to sustain the railroad until the 1930s.
However, its genesis, as author George Hilton notes in his book, "American Narrow Gauge Railroads," was actually in the town of Golden, Colorado's efforts to displace Denver as the main rail hub along the Front Range.
The Colorado Central was promoted by William A.H. Loveland as a standard and narrow-gauge system; the former trackage would connect Golden with the Union Pacific at Pine Bluff, Nebraska while the latter would serve mines at Black Hawk, Central City, Idaho Springs, Georgetown, and Silver Plume via the Clear Creek Canyon.
At A Glance
Denver - Golden - Georgetown - Silver Plume | |
The Colorado Central's genesis began as the Colorado & Clear Creek Railroad Company incorporated on February 9, 1865. The name was changed several times before 1870; on January 20, 1866 it became the Colorado Central & Pacific Railroad.
Initial construction commenced in early 1868 and on January 14th that year the company was renamed again as the Colorado Central Railroad.
Ultimately, the Nebraska connection was abandoned in favor of reaching the Union Pacific at Cheyenne, Wyoming. This line, running via Loveland and Fort Collins was completed in 1877.
As a result, the dual gauge operation was not viewed as a significant hindrance towards sustained profitability. The Colorado Central held the added advantage of carrying significant financial support from Union Pacific.
In an effort to build its traffic base, UP was heavily involved in Colorado's narrow-gauge rail movement in the late 1870s, 1880s, and 1890s to handle the state's precious metal mining boom (largely through the efforts of Jay Gould).
UP would go on to acquire the competing Denver, South Park & Pacific in 1881 and jointly operated the South Park Line and Colorado Central as the Union Pacific, Denver & Gulf Railroad beginning in 1890.
System Map (1910)
A 1910 system map of the Colorado Central Railroad as it appeared in the early Colorado & Southern era.The Colorado Central's narrow-gauge lines began construction concurrently with the standard gauge route, although were delayed by the financial Panic of 1873.
The first section to Forks Creek was completed on September 1, 1872, and extended to Black Hawk on December 7th that year. - Forks Creek later became the junction point of the main line to Georgetown. - Before the financial downturn the railroad was able to reach Floyd Hill in the Clear Creek Canyon on March 19, 1873.
Following a traffic agreement in 1875 between the rivaling Union Pacific and Kansas Pacific (KP)/Denver Pacific (DP) that saw the latter take over local traffic throughout Colorado, the Colorado Central's future appeared bleak.
Union Pacific
The railroad was still under Loveland's control and he elected to keep it independent, narrowly avoiding receivership in the process. In March, 1877 he worked out an agreement with Jay Gould, then in control of Union Pacific, to help fund the Colorado Central's continued expansion.
Soon after this agreement had been finalized, construction continued beyond Floyd Hill, reaching Georgetown on August 13, 1877. Elsewhere, the railroad built a 5-mile branch to Ralston, via Golden, that was completed in February, 1878.
This spur, built as subsidiary Golden & Ralston Railroad, served coal mines, and was extended in 1883 to Glencoe as another subsidiary, the Denver & Middle Park Railroad. However, this latter extension was later abandoned in 1898.
Also during 1878 the railroad continued beyond Black Hawk, reaching Central City in May of the year. This particular line required a double switchback and three trestles of considerable length through Gregory Gulch to keep grades manageable.
Interestingly, up until this time the Colorado Central had made no serious efforts to even open narrow-gauge service into Denver. However, as the 3-foot movement was in full swing by the late 1870s and the city's importance grew, the railroad felt such a move was necessary.
In 1879 the railroad laid a third-rail along its main line between Argo and Arapahoe, which allowed passenger trains access to the Union Passenger Depot in downtown Denver along 16th Street. In doing so the railroad could offer direct service to the western fringe's of its network.
In February, 1879 the Colorado Central was leased to Union Pacific, which two years later also acquired the South Park Line and jointly operated both as the Union Pacific, Denver & Gulf Railroad beginning in 1890.
Georgetown Loop
Soon after its lease to UP, company officials began eyeing possible extensions to either Middle Park, via Berthoud Pass or Leadville, via Loveland Pass. With the transcontinental railroad now calling the shots, the Colorado Central incorporated the Georgetown, Breckenridge & Leadville Railway to carry out the Leadville extension.
The immediate routing out of Georgetown to Silver Plume offered no easy route, requiring the railroad to gain 638 feet in just two miles, or what would have been a grade of over 6%. The solution became one of the greatest feats in the narrow-gauge movement, the Georgetown Loop.
Designed by engineer Robert Blickensderfer, the line featured two horseshoe curves and the famous loop itself, which encompassed another horseshoe curved trestle over Clear Creek. It was a total of 4.47 miles in length but grades were held to a manageable 3.5%.
The line to Silver Plume was completed in March, 1884 and then continued on to Graymont (4 miles). However, to reach Leadville required a tunnel of considerable length, which parent Union Pacific elected not to carry out after the South Park Line had reached Leadville.
Interestingly, there were nevertheless continued efforts to complete this tunnel although none were successful. Had it been finished the Colorado Central's Denver-Leadville corridor would have encompassed just 127 miles compared to the Denver & Rio Grande's 276 and the South Park Line's 171.
The Union Pacific's 1893 bankruptcy, as a result of the financial panic that year, caused the company to lose control of its narrow-gauge holdings. They were subsequently acquired by the newly formed Colorado & Southern Railway, incorporated on December 19, 1898.
Officially, the C&S took over the Colorado Central and South Park Line operations in January, 1899. From this point forward both were operated integrally as part of the C&S.
Decline
As with many railroads of that era, the Colorado Central's decline was a poignant affair, a demise precipitated by the dwindling gold rush and advent of modern transportation methods.
Phenomena like the automobile slowly made steam railroads obsolete, plummeting freight and passenger revenues which led to the eventual abandonment of the railroad.
Into the early 20th century, however, the former Colorado Central lines initially continue to do fairly well in comparison to the other narrow-gauge lines thanks to its precious metal traffic (gold and silver), except for the Rio Grande which was far and away the most successful.
It passenger business also held up until the 1910s when highways finally penetrated the region. The final scheduled passenger trains operated on June 4, 1927 while summer excursions continued for some time afterward.
The first cutbacks began in 1925 when the Black Hawk-Central City segment ended service and was formally abandoned in 1931. Finally, the C&S applied for abandonment of the entire property on February 28, 1936.
It was denied by the Interstate Commerce Commission, except for the Silver Plume-Idaho Springs segment, which by then contained little traffic.
The famous Georgetown Loop segment finally ended service on January 31, 1939 and was removed two months later, including the keynote high bridge. The C&S again applied for complete abandonment on March 27, 1940 which was approved. The final trains ran on May 4, 1941.
Today
Today, most of the original main line has been occupied by the U.S. highway 6. Despite its extinction, the legacy of the Colorado Central Railroad lives on.
The Georgetown Loop, a small section of the original route, is now a popular tourist attraction. This nostalgic nod to Colorado's mining past offers a unique perspective on how the railroad contributed to the rise of the Centennial State.
In summary, the Colorado Central Railroad, an integral thread in the tapestry of Colorado's history, was a pioneering force in the mining boom, ultimately becoming part of Union Pacific and later, the Colorado and Southern Railway.
Today, its memory lingers through the preserved Georgetown Loop Railroad, a testament to the enduring impact of the railroad on the state's development and identity.
Sources
- Ferrell, Mallory Hope. Silver San Juan, The Rio Grande Southern Railroad (First Edition). Boulder: Pruett Publishing Company, 1973.
- Griffin, James R. Rio Grande Railroad. St. Paul: Voyageur Press, 2003.
- Hilton, George. American Narrow Gauge Railroads. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1990.
- Overton, Richard. Burlington Route: A History Of The Burlington Lines. New York: Alfred A Knopf, Inc. 1965.
- Schafer, Mike. Classic American Railroads. Osceola: MBI Publishing, 1996.
Recent Articles
-
California -- Beer Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:56 AM
While the Niles Canyon Railway is known for family-friendly weekend excursions and seasonal classics, one of its most popular grown-up offerings is Beer on the Rails. -
New Jersey -- Beer Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:53 AM
On select dates, the Woodstown Central Railroad pairs its scenery with one of South Jersey’s most enjoyable grown-up itineraries: the Brew to Brew Train. -
Georgia -- Wild West -- Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:52 AM
Nestled within its lush hills and historic towns, the Peach State offers unforgettable train rides that channel the spirit of the Wild West. -
North Carolina -- Wild West -- Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:31 AM
North Carolina, a state known for its diverse landscapes ranging from serene beaches to majestic mountains, offers a unique blend of history and adventure through its Wild West train rides. -
Michigan -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:28 AM
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Michigan’s wine tasting train experiences that cater to both wine connoisseurs and railway aficionados. -
Indiana -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:26 AM
In this article, we'll delve into the experience of wine tasting trains in Indiana, exploring their routes, services, and the rising popularity of this unique adventure. -
Illinois -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:19 AM
Among Illinois's scenic train rides, one of the most unique and captivating experiences is the murder mystery excursion. -
Maryland -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides
Aug 09, 26 10:05 AM
Maryland is known for its scenic landscapes, historical landmarks, and vibrant culture, but did you know that it’s also home to some of the most thrilling murder mystery dinner trains? -
East Broad Top Railroad Fall Foliage Train Ride (2026)
Aug 09, 26 12:09 AM
The East Broad Top Railroad at Rockhill Furnace / Orbisonia, Pennsylvania is not a mass-market “leaf special” brand so much as a living industrial-history railroad whose public calendar runs deep into… -
Strasburg Rail Road Whiskey on the Rails (2026)
Aug 08, 26 08:28 PM
Whiskey on the Rails is the Strasburg Rail Road’s intimate adult spirits product: a roughly 45-minute to one-hour steam ride through Lancaster County Amish Country aboard historic First Class Dining C… -
Indiana Whiskey & Bourbon Tasting Train Rides
Aug 08, 26 01:53 PM
Among IRE’s most talked-about offerings is the Wine & Whiskey Train—an adults-only, evening-style trip that leans into the best parts of classic rail travel: atmosphere, comfort, and a… -
Minnesota -- Beer Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 08, 26 01:04 PM
Among the North Shore Scenic Railroad's special events, one consistently rises to the top for adults looking for a lively night out: the Beer Tasting Train. -
New Mexico Whiskey Tasting Train Rides
Aug 08, 26 12:52 PM
New Mexico’s high-desert rail scene has a clear spirits star: Sky Railway in Santa Fe, whose special-event calendar includes Whiskey on the Rails—a 21+ pop-up pairing Santa Fe Spirits with a round tri… -
Connecticut -- Whiskey Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 08, 26 12:42 PM
While the Naugatuck Railroad runs a variety of trips throughout the year, one event has quickly become a “circle it on the calendar” outing for fans of great food and spirited tastings: the BBQ &a… -
Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)
Aug 08, 26 11:44 AM
The Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad—marketed as the Duluth River Train—offers a volunteer-run, roughly two-hour narrated round trip along the St. Louis River estuary from West Duluth. -
Coopersville & Marne Railway Fall / Pumpkin Trains (2026)
Aug 08, 26 11:19 AM
The Friends of the Coopersville & Marne Railway run West Michigan’s best-known autumn family train: the Pumpkin Train on October weekends, a roughly 90-minute Coopersville–Marne round trip with costum… -
Cape Cod Central Railroad Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)
Aug 08, 26 11:12 AM
The Cape Cod Central Railroad is southeastern Massachusetts’s main tourist-and-dining rail product: narrated scenic trains and multi-course dining trains from Hyannis, West Barnstable, and Buzzards Ba… -
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)
Aug 08, 26 10:39 AM
The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad in Boone, Iowa is the Midwest’s high-bridge foliage train: Fraser excursions cross the towering Bass Point Creek High Bridge through the Des Moines River valley as h… -
Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad Fall Foliage Train Ride (2026)
Aug 08, 26 10:18 AM
The Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad markets a dedicated Fall Foliage Train Ride from its Unity, Maine venue: roughly a one-hour round trip through Waldo County woods and farmland when birch, maple… -
Pennsylvania -- Wild West -- Train Rides
Aug 08, 26 10:06 AM
The Keystone State is home to a variety of historical attractions, but few experiences can rival the excitement and nostalgia of a Wild West train ride. -
Alabama -- Wild West -- Train Rides
Aug 08, 26 10:04 AM
Although Alabama isn't the traditional setting for Wild West tales, the state provides its own flavor of historic rail adventures that draw enthusiasts year-round. -
South Dakota -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 08, 26 10:02 AM
For wine enthusiasts and adventurers alike, South Dakota introduces a novel way to experience its local viticulture: wine tasting aboard the Black Hills Central Railroad. -
West Virginia -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 08, 26 10:00 AM
West Virginia, often celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and rich history, offers visitors a unique way to explore its rolling hills and picturesque vineyards: wine tasting trains. -
New Mexico -- Murder Mystery -- Train Rides
Aug 08, 26 09:58 AM
Among Sky Railway's most theatrical offerings is “A Murder Mystery,” a 2–2.5 hour immersive production that drops passengers into a stylized whodunit on the rails. -
Maryland -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides
Aug 08, 26 09:55 AM
Maryland is known for its scenic landscapes, historical landmarks, and vibrant culture, but did you know that it’s also home to some of the most thrilling murder mystery dinner trains? -
Whitewater Valley Railroad Fall Foliage Flyer (2026)
Aug 08, 26 08:27 AM
The Whitewater Valley Railroad markets a dedicated Fall Foliage Flyer each October: a five-hour weekday round trip from Connersville, Indiana to historic Metamora with a two-hour layover for shopping… -
North Shore Scenic Railroad Fall Colors Train Rides (2026)
Aug 08, 26 08:17 AM
The North Shore Scenic Railroad in Duluth, Minnesota—operated with the Lake Superior Railroad Museum from historic Duluth Union Depot—markets the Two Harbors Fall Colors Tour as its headline autumn pr… -
Leadville Railroad Fall Train Rides (2026)
Aug 07, 26 11:55 PM
The Leadville Railroad (formerly marketed as the Leadville, Colorado & Southern) runs from historic Leadville, Colorado—one of the highest incorporated cities in the U.S.—into the surrounding Rockies… -
FWRHS Acquires Nickel Plate Road Business Car No. 1
Aug 07, 26 11:48 PM
The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society (FWRHS) has acquired Nickel Plate Road business car No. 1, a 1929 Pullman built for the Van Sweringen brothers’ rail empire. -
Santa Fe Bicentennial SD45-2 No. 5704 To Attend America 250 Event
Aug 07, 26 11:44 PM
The Southern California Railway Museum’s restored Santa Fe Railway SD45-2 No. 5704 is eastbound for the America 250 Locomotive Celebration at the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, set f… -
IRM Repaints Ingersoll-Rand 91 in 1976 Bicentennial Livery
Aug 07, 26 11:25 PM
Illinois Railway Museum Diesel Department volunteers have cosmetically restored the museum’s oldest diesel locomotive, Ingersoll-Rand No. 91, to the red, white, and blue scheme it wore for the 1976 Un… -
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway Fall Foliage Train Ride (2026)
Aug 07, 26 10:22 PM
The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway in Nelsonville, Ohio is the Hocking Hills region’s dedicated autumn rail product. Each year the railroad markets October Fall Foliage trains—roughly two-hour round tr… -
Delaware & Ulster Railroad Fall Foliage Train Ride (2026)
Aug 07, 26 07:12 PM
The Delaware & Ulster Railroad (DURR) is back as a Catskills heritage operation from Arkville, New York, marketing scenic rides every Saturday through fall 2026. -
Durango & Silverton Fall Foliage Train Ride (2026)
Aug 07, 26 03:19 PM
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is southwest Colorado’s bucket-list autumn steam (and diesel) ride: a climb from Durango through the Animas Canyon toward historic Silverton, with San Jua… -
Michigan -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides
Aug 07, 26 12:51 PM
Among the lesser-known treasures of this state are the intriguing murder mystery dinner train rides—a perfect blend of suspense, dining, and scenic exploration. -
Virginia Scenic Sip & Savor Express (2026): Wine & Cider Tasting Train
Aug 07, 26 12:42 PM
The Sip & Savor Express is the Virginia Scenic Railway’s flagship tasting product: a about three-hour guided wine or cider experience with artisan charcuterie, departing from either Louisa or Staunton… -
Virginia -- Murder Mystery -- Dinner Train Rides
Aug 07, 26 12:39 PM
Among the state's railroad attractions, murder mystery dinner trains stand out as a captivating fusion of theatrical entertainment, fine dining, and scenic travel. -
Utah -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 07, 26 12:32 PM
Utah, a state widely celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty and dramatic landscapes, is also gaining recognition for an unexpected yet delightful experience: wine tasting trains. -
Vermont -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 07, 26 12:25 PM
Known for its stunning green mountains, charming small towns, and burgeoning wine industry, Vermont offers a unique experience that seamlessly blends all these elements: wine tasting train rides. -
North Carolina -- Whiskey Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 07, 26 12:21 PM
One of the GSMR's most distinctive special events is Spirits on the Rail, a bourbon-focused dining experience built around curated drinks and a chef-prepared multi-course meal. -
Western Maryland Murder Mystery Dinner Train (2026)
Aug 06, 26 02:56 PM
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR) in Cumberland, Maryland runs one of the Mid-Atlantic’s best-known Murder Mystery Dinner Trains: a roughly three-hour, 21+ evening with dinner and interactiv… -
Warren County Winery Train Phillipsburg NJ (2026)
Aug 06, 26 02:37 PM
The Warren County Winery Train, operated by Delaware River Railroad Excursions from Phillipsburg, New Jersey, is a high-frequency wine tasting product. -
River Fox Murder Mystery Dinner Train (2026)
Aug 06, 26 02:19 PM
The River Fox Train (Sacramento RiverTrain operations) in West Sacramento, California runs a Murder Mystery Dinner Train for ages 21+: dinner and dessert plus interactive theater as characters scheme… -
Monticello Railway Museum Murder Mystery Dinner Train (2026)
Aug 06, 26 01:33 PM
The Monticello Railway Museum in Monticello, Illinois hosts the state’s main Murder Mystery Dinner Train: an approximately two-hour evening with a three-course meal prepared by Michaels’ Catering of C… -
Cumbres & Toltec Fall Colors Train Ride (2026): Aspens, Pass & Tips
Aug 06, 26 12:45 PM
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad straddles the Colorado–New Mexico line between Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado—a steam-powered narrow-gauge climb over Cumbres Pass through aspen forests… -
LM&M Murder Mystery Train Lebanon OH (2026)
Aug 06, 26 12:04 PM
The Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad (LM&M) in Lebanon, Ohio offers a Murder Mystery Train built for Cincinnati/Dayton day-trippers: about three hours total, 21+, with interactive theater from The Murder… -
Heber Valley Wine & Cheese Tasting Train (2026)
Aug 06, 26 11:58 AM
The Heber Valley Railroad in Heber City, Utah markets a Wine & Cheese Tasting Train as its signature adult tasting product: a roughly 90-minute evening ride with a guided five-course wine tasting and… -
Backcountry Wine Train, Campo CA (2026)
Aug 06, 26 11:13 AM
The Backcountry Wine Train is the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum’s adults-oriented wine tasting excursion from the Campo Railroad Museum in San Diego County’s East County high desert. -
Rhode Island -- Wine Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 06, 26 10:19 AM
It may the smallest state but Rhode Island is home to a unique and upscale train excursion offering wide aboard their trips, the Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad. -
Maryland -- Whiskey Tasting -- Train Rides
Aug 06, 26 09:46 AM
You can enjoy whiskey tasting by train at just one location in Maryland, the popular Western Maryland Scenic Railroad based in Cumberland.
