1876 → present
Denver & Rio Grande Western
D&RG drove the first stake at El Moro in 1876, just north of town.
1876 — 2026 · celebrating 150 years of railroading history
History,
Community,
Connections.
The mission of Trinidad Railroad Museum is to preserve, interpret, and celebrate the rich railroad history of Trinidad, Colorado, and the surrounding region. Through engaging exhibits, educational programs, and authentic artifacts, we aim to inspire an appreciation for the transformative role of railroads in shaping our communities and connecting our past to the present.
The roster
Nine names, one rail town.
Trinidad has been served by several different railroads since 1876. The heralds below tell the whole story: arrivals, mergers, dissolutions, and the trains still rolling through today.
1878 → 1995
Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe
AT&SF beat the D&RG to Raton Pass in 1878 and tunneled it in 1879.
1890 → 1898
Union Pacific, Denver & Gulf
A Trumbull-receivership reorganization of the line south to Texas.
1898 → 1982
Fort Worth & Denver
“Shortest route to Colorado and the Northwest.” Carried the Texas Zephyr.
1899 → present
Colorado & Wyoming
Built up the Purgatoire valley to multiple CF&I coal mines.
1898 → 1981
Colorado & Southern
Operated the depot still staning at 516 E. Elm St. in Trinidad.
1908 → 1970
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy
CB&Q bought the C&S in 1908, bringing the Burlington name to Trinidad.
1970 → 1995
Burlington Northern
CB&Q + GN + NP + SP&S consolidated under BN green and white.
1995 → present
BNSF Railway
Today’s BNSF still runs the former AT&SF main right past town.
Note — Reproduced for educational use under the museum’s research mission. Heralds remain the trademarks of their respective railroads and successor companies.
Support the next chapter
Year one proved
the appetite is real.
Over 200 visitors from eleven states walked through the depot in our first year. Talks at Santa Fe Trail Days, classroom presentations, research at the Denver Public Library and History Colorado. We’re transitioning to a Museum Without Walls, bringing our exhibits online and traveling to partner sites across the region. Every dollar funds the next mile of our journey.
History Colorado Affiliate · 501(c)(3) nonprofit