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Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge railway runs along the Highline.
Society: ASCEMain Category: CivilSub Category: Roads & RailsEra: 1880-1889DateCreated: 1882DurangoState: COCountry: USAWebsite: http://www.asce.org/project/durango-silverton-narrow-gauge-br-of-the-d-rgwr/Creator: Palmer, William Jackson , Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad

The Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Branch of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad extends from the town of Durango to the mining camp of Silverton. Built in 1882 through one of the most rugged mountain areas of the nation, its complexity remains a testament to the role civil engineering played in the development of the western United States. 

The tracks rise up the sheer, steep Animas Canyon, running along a rock ledge just wide enough to carry the train. The line is used today as a tourist attraction, carrying visitors through the picturesque San Juan Mountains.

YearAdded:
1968
Image Caption: Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge railway runs along the Highline.Era_date_from: 1882
Bidwell Bar Suspension Bridge
Society: ASCEMain Category: CivilSub Category: BridgesEra: 1850-1859DateCreated: 1856Feather RiverOrovilleState: CAZip: 95966Country: USAWebsite: http://www.asce.org/project/Bidwell-Bar-Suspension-Bridge/Creator: Jones and Murray

Soon after gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill near Sacramento in 1848, General John Bidwell found gold near the Middle Fork of the Feather River. His discovery brought hordes of miners to the scene and Bidwell Bar was born. The Bidwell Bar Suspension Bridge over the Feather River was one of several suspension bridges built in the region in the 1850s, and is the only one that remains.

 

YearAdded:
1967
Image Credit: Public Domain (National Park Service)Image Caption: The original Bidwell Bar Suspension Bridge (1856), crossing over the Feather RiverEra_date_from: 1856
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Innovations

Bidwell Bar Suspension Bridge

Soon after gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill near Sacramento in 1848, General John Bidwell found gold near the Middle Fork of the Feather River. His discovery brought hordes of miners to the scene and Bidwell Bar was born. The Bidwell Bar Suspension Bridge over the Feather River was one of…

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Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge railway runs along the Highline.

The Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Branch of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad extends from the town of Durango to the mining camp of Silverton. Built in 1882 through one of the most rugged mountain areas of the nation, its complexity remains a testament to the role civil…

Read More

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