APPENDIX SS. 1801 



Creek passed above its caiioii by a fine high and well-built bridge, the stream here 

 being some 20 feet wide, with an average depth of fully a foot and the velocity that 

 might be expected from its name. 



Swinging to the west nearly 2 miles the Cliff Lakes are reached, around which, for 2 

 miles along their eastern sides, the road passes. These are clear and lovely sheets of 

 water, varying in width to 600 yards with an average of about 300, beyond whose 

 western banks rise huge mountain slopes reflected below, the surfaces frequented by 

 water-fowl, the road almost on a level along the shore, and shaded by lofty pine and 

 aspen. Thence to the south by a succession of easy slopes, almost a natural route, be- 

 tween rolling hills, the road passes to the park below. The road is well ditched, and, 

 where needed, inclined drains of dry stone are provided. All the bridges are strong 

 and well made, the upper surface of planking, the timbers in general square -hewn, oc- 

 casionally also covered with dirt, and fastened by well-pinned stringers. Everything 

 indicates permanence and durability. 



At several places there were intervals of " slide" rock 60 to 75 yards in length, 

 where the road was not in traveling order, but this was to be covered and completed 

 later. 



The charter of the road was taken out in 1876 and work begun September 1. Seven 

 miles of the route, from Silvertoii to the south, was completed and opened during the 

 fall at a cost of $3,270. In 1877 work was commenced early in April at the head of 

 the Animas Valley, and continued with a daily average of 30 hands, the pay of those 

 at ordinary labor being $1.50, and on rock blasting $3, including board. At the end 

 of September last the cost had been $19,000. At that time about 4 miles remained un- 

 opened, the cost of completing the same and putting the entire road in perfect condi- 

 tion, including bridges, making an aggregate of $30,000. 



The completion and opening of this road must result in great advantages to the min- 

 ing region. Illustrative of the great expense entailed by its secluded situation may 

 be mentioned that of forage ; while in the valley of the Animas, as at Animas City, hay 

 was plenty at $40 per ton and corn $2.25 per bushel, at Silvertoii double that amount 

 was asked. As the winter and spring approach and the passes become blocked with 

 snow, these prices become greatly enhanced. 



It must, therefore, lower the high prices existing and give free access to large fields 

 of coal, the supply of which now conies from a long distance. In turn it will be of 

 great advantage to the lower section in the largely-increased market for its produce 

 and the establishment of reduction-works near to or in the coal region, since the trans- 

 portation necessary for the carriage of this fuel up the Animas will in time be utilized 

 for return loads of ore from the mines. 



THE INNESS ROAD TO SILVERTON. 



As already stated, the route to Silvertoii for heavy freight teams, previous to the 

 opening of the Wightman road, was via the Burrows Park, or Hensen Creek line via 

 Lake City, from the railroad, preferably the latter. In general, however, the Wight- 

 man line, as a route for freight from the railroad, is too long, its distance from Gar- 

 land City being 281 miles, and with the new terminus at Alamosa 256. Presuming 

 upon the latter situation, we have Silverton's distance by lines at present practicable 

 as follows : 



Silverton, from the railroad at Alamosa, route via- 



Distance. 



Conejos, Chania road, and Wightman's road, Grand Canon of the Animas. 



Eio Grande to Antelope Springs, Lake City, and Hensen Creek 



Old county road up the Eio Grande (impassable in part) 



Imiess road up Eio Grande and Cunningham Gulch (proposed) 



Miles. 

 253. 9 

 145.7 

 124. 2 

 128. 7 



Of the above, the Hensen Creek, being the only one in fine condition and about 110 

 miles the shorter, will, of course, be preferred. By the Conejos route the continental 

 divide is passed at a low point; by the last two, a high mountain pass at the head of 

 the Rio Grande must also be surmounted; while by the Lake City route, two high 

 mountain ranges intervene, and must be crossed, before Silverton is reached. From 

 the most casual glance at the table, it will be seen that the direct route up the Rio 

 Grande is the desideratum, being the hue of shortest communication. The route via 

 Cunningham Gulch, though 4-£ miles longer than the old county road already referred 

 to, crosses the range by a pass 500 feet lower, and is. therefore, preferred by all pack- 

 trains, which were frequently to be seen, and whose trails, deeply furrowed and from 

 6 to 10 in number, were observed on the east side of the range below the top of the 

 gulch. In making the descent from the summit, there Were passed close by about 



