Posted by
chtrout on
URL: http://c-sng-discussion-forum.254.s1.nabble.com/D-RG-Grading-Through-Platte-Canyon-tp14485p14497.html
Hi Chris,
Wow! I had recalled that HAER had very good coverage of incomplete D&RG grading segments in Platte Canyon, but I had forgotten there were actually at least (7) images in the series – I think I may have actually missed one or two.
Obviously, the HAER file label (1875) is incorrect since D&RG grading did not even begin until shortly after 1 May 1879 when the final Location Survey was staked and completed. Initially, relatively-small crews were grading the first 5-mile segment from "Platte Junction" (D&RG m.p. 13.7, now "Wolhurst") to just opposite the Platte Canyon (Waterton) wye at the mouth of the canyon, and most heavy work within the canyon itself did not occur until 1880-1881. As with most D&RG grading projects, multiple contracts were let simultaneously, with various segments all under construction by different contractors all at the same time. Interestingly, some of the very same contractors, to include Isaac W. Chatfield, who had just finished the DSP&P construction through the canyon, now received contracts for the D&RG grading, and in some cases, even used their same original grading camps, such as Chatfield had set up on the gentle slope directly across the river from Deansbury. As a point of clarification, it was frequently called the "Acequia Cut-Off," since the station at Acequia [D&RG m.p. 17.5] was the nearest settlement to Platte Junction, and Acequia was also the main grading and supplies base camp for the entire project.
Considering how relatively complete the various rock walls are and such in the HAER photos, I would estimate that they date from the 1881 construction season, recalling that construction was discontinued on 30 January 1882.
While I do know that the project was totally resurrected in 1889, this time envisioned as a standard-gauge "Denver Shortline" to "Lidderdale" (downriver from "Lake George"), I have not been able to confirm if any "new" work was actually done on the ground. Obviously, to "standard-gauge" the line would have required reductions in curvature, widening the grade, and such, but I have not seen any evidence of that actually occurring. Regardless, the 1889 Location Survey reportedly was based on the original May 1879 Location Survey, with the exception of changing the original destination of Buena Vista via the Salt Works and Trout Creek Pass, to now connecting with the Colorado Midland at Lidderdale instead. Interestingly, "Denver Shortline" construction was described as a partnership with the Colorado Midland and also envisioned allowing trackage rights for the Rock Island. Of course, this entire scheme totally collapsed during the rapidly developing period of extreme financial stress, partially caused by the "Sherman Silver Purchase Act" (1890).
Thank you, Chris, for sharing these wonderful HAER photos, they are extremely helpful.
Craig H. Trout