Coal Creek Railroads - David H. Moffat

David H. Moffat
by Roxanne and Ariel, Grade 3

David H. Moffat came to Denver in March 1860 to build a book store. He was 21. This was in the very early days of Colorado,
before it became a state. Moffat played a major role in all parts of the development of Colorado: mining, railroads, business and
industry, finance and politics. He always helped people.

Moffat owned more than 100 mines. He knew the railroad was important. He build railroads to mining areas within Colorado.
He also build a connecting railroad line between Denver and Cheyenne. On June 15, 1868 the first engine bearing the name of David H. Moffat went on this railroad track. Moffat became the president of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad in 1887. He persuaded Otto Mears to build a railroad in the San Juan Mountains in southern Colorado.

Photo by Overholser

Photograph use with permission

Moffat dreamed for 44 years about building a tunnel to go through the mountains. The Moffat Tunnel was finished in 1928, twelve years after Moffat died.

The tunnel is 6 miles long. It shortened the distance between Denver and Salt Lake City by 175 miles.

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