Foundations for the Denver & Rio Grande's Roundhouse in Salida

Description

The 20-stall standard-gauge roundhouse was constructed in 1900, east of the narrow-gauge roundhouse. By the date of this photograph, August 1, 1923, a new eight-stall roundhouse addition was being constructed as a separate building; however it shared the 100-foot turntable with the original standard-gauge roundhouse. The 100-foot turntable replaced the original 80-foot turntable in 1917. Forms were set up to pour concrete for locomotive service pits, and brick was used to construct the building walls. A steam-powered shovel was used to cut back the hillside next to Cottonwood Gulch (sometimes referred to as “Rattlesnake Gulch”). Harry Williams Collection.