Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad Stock Car No. 5679D
Montrose County
The Denver & Rio Grande Western (D&RGW) Railroad Stock Car No. 5679D served an important role in agriculture, particularly ranching. The raising of livestock, especially sheep, was an important activity in Colorado and the American West. The railroad moved livestock between summer and winter pastures, a seasonal operation typical of high country ranching, and also delivered livestock to market. Livestock operations took place in various locations around the state, in particular the southern San Luis Valley and in the Gunnison area, including Cimarron-Curecanti. In addition to transporting local stock, the D&RGW served as a link for cattle moving through Colorado to eastern markets.
Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad Stock Car No. 5679D (2008 photograph.)
Increasing use of trucks and the need to transfer livestock from narrow-gauge cars to standard-gauge for travel beyond the D&RGW’s shrinking narrow-gauge system led to a gradual decline in the use of narrow-gauge stockcars. Stock Car 5679D is also significant as an example of a once common rail car type in operation in livestock producing areas of the railroad’s narrow-gauge system. Built by American Car and Foundry in 1904 as part of a series of 350 cars, the wood cars were specifically designed to ship cattle or sheep. The all-wood construction typifies early twentieth-century rail car construction. The horizontal-slat sides with large openings between boards provide air, light, and an outside view for the car’s occupants. The D&RGW modified the car for short livestock, such as sheep or hogs, by dividing the interior horizontally with a second floor, thus doubling the capacity of the interior.