We are the people of All Aboard Westcliffe.
We like history and we like trains, too. It’s a good thing because the town of Westcliffe was founded quite a while ago by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad to service the mining and agricultural interests of the Wet Mountain Valley. The mining camps are gone now and the railroad is gone but the town of Westcliffe survives along with the people of the Wet Mountain Valley.
All Aboard Westcliffe, Inc. exists to tell their many stories. One story is of a baby railroad that came to this valley not once but twice. Another story is of the German Colfax Colony from Chicago in the 1870's. Still another is of prominent English families "Second Sons" who came to this valley to settle in and start our ranching heritage. And of course, the many mining tales that interweave with our railroad history.
Come hear their stories.
All Aboard Westcliffe is dedicated to telling the story of the railroad and its impact on the economic development and social fabric of the Wet Mountain Valley, specifically through preservation, restoration, education, and display.
All Aboard Westcliffe was begun in 1990 with the purpose of saving the area's historic railroad structures, researching the history of the branch, and educating the communities about the impact of the Denver and Rio Grande lines that served Westcliffe and the area. Since that time, AAW has remained an all volunteer organization that has acquired and restored or preserved four historic structures and three pieces of rolling stock. The Engine House Museum, the historic Depot on Main Street and the model railroad layouts are open at no cost to the public between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Additionally, all museums are open for free private tours with advance scheduling. AAW has always been an organization that partners with other local entities to enhance economic development and encourage heritage tourism. Educational programs are designed to build knowledge and pride for place.
Organization name
All Aboard Westcliffe, Inc.
1990
Tax id (EIN)
84-1130797
Category
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Organization Size
Small Organization
Address
PO BOX 1415Westcliffe, CO, US, 81252
Silver Cliff, CO, US, 81252
Custer County, CO, US
Fremont County, CO, US