Re: Silverton Railroad aerial map with photos

Hi Dave,

Just wanted to comment on your mapping of the SRR grade. Far as I can tell, you've pretty well nailed it. I guess you've figured out that the highway obliterates the grade in that section between the southern mapped portion and Chattanooga. You did miss one portion at Chattanooga, the section of old two lane highway that makes an almost 180 deg. turn where it crosses the creek before the old Silver Ledge Mill. The "new" 3 lane cuts off that sharp corner.

Also, from the creek crossing on the sharp corner above the Silver Ledge Mine to the summit of the pass, the grade and highway are one and the same. Except for possibly a short stretch in the old Congress town site where concrete bridge abutments are visible a few feet west of the pavement.

I worked at the Idarado Mine for 11 years and drove Red Mtn. almost every day. Didn't see much sense walking the grade on the south side of the pass. The portion from Red Mtn. Town to Ironton was much more interesting. Still, it boggles the mind that anyone would have the audacity to build a railroad up that hill.

Good luck on your further explorations. I'll be looking for future updates.

Sam Bass