April Fool's Tragedy - Chaffee County, CO - Colorado Historical Markers on Waymarking.com

The sign reads:

THE HAZARDS OF RAILROADING
A tragedy nearly occuredhere at Shield's Gulch
on April 1, 1908. In the early days of railroading,
accidents were common and ranged from a simple
derailment to head-on collsions. The Colorado
Midland Railway had its share of hardships
during its short-lived existenceof 35. years.

TROUBLE AHEAD!
Smoke filled the air on April 1, 1908, and
flames engulfed the wooden trestle
across Shield's Gulch. Unaware of the fire
ahead, Engines No. 17 and 22 continued
pulling passenger train number 4 toward
Trout Creek Pass. as the train rounded the
curve heading toward the trestle, the
engineers spotted the raging flames. Crew
members were horrified to seethe burning
trestle and immediately applied the
brakes and jumped from the train. The
engine crew members watched while
both locomotives crashed through the
blazing structure.

EDGE OF DISATER
Fortunately, the train came to a stop
with passengers train number 4
narrowly escaping disaster. Passengers
were unaware of what was happening
until it was all over. It was amiracle that
there were no casualties in this devastating
April Fool's Day accident.

Group or Groups Responsible for Placement: U.s Forest Service Bureau of Land Management County or City: Chaffee County Date Dedicated: Not listed Check here for Web link(s) for additional information: Not listed

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