Rocki Roads Wet Dreams
Just about anyone who grew up or lived in Colorado before 1996 knew the name Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, or simply, the Rio Grande. Known across the U.S., the Rio Grande was among this country's greatest railroads. Starting as a narrow gauge rail system in the 1870's, the Rio Grande joined the many "fallen flag" railroads when it's parent company bought and merged with the Southern Pacific Transportation Company.
The Rio Grande has an illustrious and complicated history that is inextricably linked with the colorful history of the territory, and ultimately, the State of Colorado. Initially created and built by William Palmer, the railroad went through many transformations during it's lifetime. The larger, modern day Rio Grande was created through many mergers and acquisitions of smaller rail lines throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Several important aspects of the Rio Grande legacy remain to this day.