Images of Rail: Railroads of the Pike's Peak Region 1900-1930

      By 1900, the scenic beauty of the Pike's Peak region had become well known, making it a popular destination with visitors from across the nation. This influx of tourism along with the apex of the Cripple Creek mining boom saw El Paso and Teller Counties become a hub for freight and passenger activity. Over the next 30 years and through challenging economic times, the area would served by 11 different railroads and an interurban line. 

       The Midland Terminal and the Colorado Springs and Cripple Creek District Railways relied heavily on the revenue gleaned from Cripple Creek ore prodcutioni, but as the output of these mines declined, so too did the coffers of the railroads that supported them. Larger railroads like the Santa Fe and the Colorado & Southern increased their regional presence through joint agreements and the expansion of local facilities. Still other roads had a more local flair, including the Manitou & Pike's Peak whose unique cog railway introduced "America's Mountain" to thousands of tourists. Mass transit also came to the region as the Colorado Springs & Interurban Railway became part of a legacy left by millionaire Winfield Scott Stratton to the people of Colorado Springs. 

Product Details:

Copyright 2006 by Allan C. Lewis

Published by Arcadia Publishing

Paperback, 127pages

Dimension: 6.5" x 9.25"

About the Author:

Allan C. Lewis maintains a strong interest in the transportation and military history of the American West and has spent the last 30 years assembling an impressive library of railroad images. His collection serves as the foundation for this book. He is also the author of Forty Miles to Fortune--Florence and Cripple Creek Railroad and two previous Arcadia projects, Colorado and Southern Railway: Clear Creek Narrow Gauge and Railroads of the Pike's Peak Region: 1870-1900.