Denver and Rio Grande Western

A standard gauge railroad, the Kansas Pacific, reached Denver, CO from Sheridan, KS on August 15th, 1870. The Denver Pacific (also standard gauge) reached Denver, CO from Cheyenne, WY on August 22, 1870. The Denver and Rio Grande was created by General William Jackson Palmer (formerly treasurer and head of construction for the Kansas and Pacific). First spike was driven July 28th, 1871. Line was completed to Colorado Springs, CO on October 21st, 1871. Line was extended to Pueblo, CO from Colorado Springs, CO on June 15th, 1871.