The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad: Rebel of the Rockies (Regents Restoration Drama Series) [Paperback]

Robert G. Athearn (Author)

Book Description

Series: Regents Restoration Drama Series | Publication Date: June 1, 1977

Nowhere better than in the history of its railroads is the growth of the Old West revealed, and for Colorado the development of the Denver and Rio Grande Western epitomizes the changes that took place between 1870 and the present. Robert G. Athearn's intimate knowledge of the West has enabled him to write a gripping account of the famous narrow-gauge Denver and Rio Grande as it inched its way south, then turned west into the Rockies. By f1883 it had joined with the Rio Grande Western to become Colorado's only line across the mountains. The Dotsero Cutoff and the six-mile Moffat Tunnel put Denver on a transcontinental line for the first time. Twelve maps and fifty-five illustrations help tell the story.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An excellent history of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad. It is first rate in completeness, clarity, organization, documentation, and balance. The story is told interestingly and sympathetically, but with proper recognition of the failures of the road."—Robert E. Riegel

(Robert E. Riegel )

About the Author

Robert G. Athearn was a professor of history at the University of Colorado and a distinguished historian of the Amrican West.

Product Details

• Paperback: 395 pages
• Publisher: University of Nebraska Press (June 1, 1977)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803258615
• ISBN-13: 978-0803258617
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,684,033 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A rebel's rebel, November 17, 2000

By 

Michael Heavener "heavener" (Redmond, WA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad: Rebel of the Rockies (Regents Restoration Drama Series) (Paperback)

Given free rein to investigate anything about the company, its operations, finances, and history, Athearn uncovered some interesting tidbits. Although sponsored by the D&RGW, this book is an unbiased review of the legal wrangles which shaped the railroad, as well as of the operational practices which twice led it into -and out of-bankruptcy. A bit heavy on the intricacies of court documentation and testimony at the many hearings, "Rebel" still imparts the entrepreneurial spirit which created the Palmer road, as well as the pioneering attitudes which ensured the Slim Gauge would become an institution into the late 1960s.