On Aug. 5, 1881, the Rio Grande Railroad opened the Silverton Branch. In 1981, Charles Bradshaw bought the railroad from the Rio Grande, saving both towns and the railroad. His ownership lasted seven years through 1987.

Bradshaw and his managers hired many highly skilled people to equip and man the brand new car shop he had built. Fortunately, several experienced Rio Grande employees remained in the six-stall roundhouse.

Bradshaw was a true believer in safety. He had all the departments appoint a safety representative who met once a week to discus any items that came up. He began a meticulous wide-ranging restoration program for both depots, water tanks and several more than 100-year-old railroad cars used in Southwest Colorado by both the Rio Grande and the Rio Grande Southern before the 1900s. Bradshaw wanted precise attention to the finest of details. He also appreciated that these restorations require constant upkeep and maintenance!

On Feb. 10, 1989, the roundhouse burned down. The current owners replaced it with a 15-stall facility that included a new machine shop and museum. All six damaged locomotives were repaired. Bradshaw established positive relations with businesses across town. He indeed put the railroad on the map and, in the process, made Durango a top tourist destination in the U.S.! I truly miss Charley!

Damen K. McCaddon

Durango