Book Review

[Tim Tennant]

Noted New Mexico Railroad Historian and co-author of The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, The Historic Preservation Study Vernon J. Glover has provided a review of Spencer Wilson's recently released book.

Short Review: Saving the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

This well-illustrated book, following a brief introduction, gets right into the efforts of the citizens of New Mexico and Colorado to preserve part of the narrow gauge railroad system of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad. Beginning in 1967 and growing into the 1970s, the effort involved many individuals, economic development entities, and ultimately the governments of the two states. It was a solid grass-roots effort that ended with the states purchasing the most scenic 64-mile segment of the railroad, its route through the canyons and summits of Cumbres Pass. The efforts of numerous volunteer participants were supported by legislation passed in the two states, substantial appropriations to actually purchase the railroad and its trains, and the signatures of both governors. This took place in 1970. The first trains were run by volunteers guided by retired railroad men.

The work of preserving and operating the railroad was not always easy, with differing visions for the future by the various involved parties. Nevertheless, the trains ran and they run to this very day. Ultimately a bi-state commission was established by legislation and approved by an interstate compact. Volunteer groups came and went. Operators changed from time to time. The book ends at a point in the year 2000, when no prospective operators were sight to take on the railroad. The current volunteer group established a separate non-profit company to operate the railroad, and took on the task.

The tumultuous years after 2000 are not addressed in this text. That’s another book.

We thank Vern for his review of this publication.