by A train lover in Durango asks about the Santa Express, what a narrow-gauge railroad is, and why mountain railroads were built
A Letter to Santa from Durango, Colorado
Dear Santa,
Hi Santa! My name is Beckett and I am 8 years old. I live in Durango, Colorado, a mountain town with a famous old steam train that chugs through the canyons. I love trains and snowboarding. My question is: which train is the Santa Claus Express? My geography question is: what is a narrow-gauge railroad? And my social studies question is: why were railroads built into the mountains long ago? Thanks, Santa!
Love, Beckett (age 8)
Santa’s Reply
Ho ho ho, hello Beckett! A train lover in railroad country asks just the right question. The truth is, there is not only one Santa Express. Many railroads all over the country run special holiday Santa trains at Christmastime, where children ride along, sip cocoa, sing carols, and meet a Santa helper, sometimes traveling to a pretend North Pole. Even famous historic trains, like the wonderful old one near your Durango, offer festive holiday rides. So ask a grown-up which Santa trains run near you, and climb aboard for a merry adventure.
Your geography question: a narrow-gauge railroad
A narrow-gauge railroad has tracks built closer together than usual. This clever design lets trains make tighter turns and squeeze through steep, rocky mountain canyons where a wider train could never fit. Your own Durango is famous for its historic narrow-gauge steam train, which winds through breathtaking mountain scenery. Read more at National Geographic Kids.
Your social studies question: mountain railroads
Long ago, railroads were built deep into the mountains near your own Durango mainly to carry silver and gold ore down from the mines, along with supplies up to the miners. Building tracks through such rugged peaks was difficult and daring work. Today, many of those same historic trains carry happy passengers enjoying the mountain views instead. Explore more at Britannica Kids.
Ride a fun train for me, Beckett. Yours warmly from the North Pole, Santa Claus.
