1876 — 2026 · celebrating 150 years of railroading history
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.
From the collection
Depots, locomotives, and the trains still rolling through Trinidad. Use the arrows or dots to move through the gallery.
The roster
Trinidad has been served by several different railroads since 1876. The heralds below tell the story: arrivals, mergers, dissolutions, and the trains still rolling through today.
D&RG drove the first stake at El Moro in 1876, just north of town. In 1908, it merged with the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad. In 1988, it purchased and rebranhed with the Southern Pacific Railroad. in 1996, it was absorbed by the Union Pacific Railroad.
The first railroad to reach Trinidad in 1878. AT&SF then beat the D&RG to Raton Pass in 1878 and tunneled it in 1879. Operated the Cardenas Hotel in Trinidad from 1903-1933. In 1995, it merged with the Burlington Northern Railroad to form BNSF.
The Fort Worth and Denver Railway Company was chartered on May 26, 1873, as the Fort Worth and Denver City Railway Company. Completed the line to Trinidad in 1888. Merged with the Burlington Northern Railroad in 1982.
A Frank Trumbull receivership reorganization of the line south to Texas.
Built up the Purgatoire valley to multiple CF&I coal mines. Still operates today in service to the steel mill in Pueblo.
Built the 1927 passenger depot still standing at 516 E. Elm St. in Trinidad.
CB&Q bought the C&S in 1908, bringing the Burlington name to Trinidad.
CB&Q + GN + NP + SP&S consolidated under BN green and white.
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
Almost 250 visitors from eleven states visited our space at the C&S depot in our first year. We did talks at Santa Fe Trail Days, presentations at local schools, and research at the Denver Public Library, History Colorado, and Colorado Railroad Museum. In the summer of 2026, 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.
