Three Little Lines

Three Little Lines: Silverton Railroad; Silverton, Gladstone and Northerly; Silverton Northern is a comprehensive historical account that delves into the fascinating story of three narrow-gauge railroads that once traversed the rugged San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. Authored by John A. and Barbara B. K. McGuire, this meticulously researched volume chronicles the conception, construction, and operation of the Silverton Railroad, the Silverton, Gladstone and Northerly, and the Silverton Northern-collectively known as the three little lines. The book explores the vision and determination of Otto Mears, the legendary Pathfinder of the San Juans, whose entrepreneurial spirit and engineering prowess were instrumental in overcoming the formidable challenges posed by the region's treacherous terrain and harsh climate. Through vivid narrative and a wealth of historical photographs, maps, and illustrations, readers are transported back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when these railroads played a pivotal role in the development of Colorado's mining industry and the growth of the remote mountain communities they served. Three Little Lines provides detailed insights into the daily operations, rolling stock, and unique engineering feats of each railroad, including the famous looping switchbacks, high trestles, and tunnels that made these lines both marvels of their time and beloved subjects for railroad enthusiasts. The book also examines the economic booms and busts that shaped the fate of the railroads, the colorful characters who worked and traveled on them, and the enduring legacy they left on the landscape and culture of the San Juan region. Richly illustrated and thoroughly documented, Three Little Lines is an essential resource for historians, railfans, and anyone captivated by the romance and adventure of Colorado's narrow-gauge railroads. It stands as a tribute to the ingenuity, perseverance, and spirit of those who built and operated these remarkable lines, preserving their stories for future generations.