The Road that Silver Built - Softcover

P. David Smith

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1932738800 ISBN 13: 9781932738803

Publisher: Western Reflections Publishing Company, 2009

Synopsis

The Million Dollar Highway runs north and south directly through the San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado some of the most beautiful and rugged country in all of North America. And because of that imposing ruggedness, this spectacular road would probably not exist today if it were not for a treasure chest of minerals found by early-day prospectors and a related need to find a way to transport millions in silver and gold economically from remote mines and camps. However, The Road that Silver Built is not just the story of an amazing highway. It is also a history of the area and the development of mining and transportation of all types throughout the rugged San Juans. Stunning beauty along the route is pointed out, the area s complex geology is explained, and tales of the towns of Durango, Silverton, and Ouray are related. The history of four narrow gauge railroads that ran nearby is recounted; and early San Juan toll roads, many now exciting four-wheel drive adventures, are featured. Author P. David Smith also tells tales of lost gold mines, treasure caves, ghost towns, and more, making travel along The Million Dollar Highway (U. S. 550 from Durango to Ouray) enjoyable, educational, and memorable for a lifetime.

About this title

About the Author

P. David Smith is the author of ten books on Colorado history, including Ouray Chief of the Utes, A Quick History of Ouray, and Mountains of Silver the Story of the Colorado Red Mountain Mining District. He has also collected thousands of rare photographs, using many of them to make The Road That Silver Built more enjoyable.

Edition details

• Publisher: Western Reflections Publishing Company
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1932738800
• ISBN 13: 9781932738803
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 344