c.1889 Rio Grande Western Railway Colorado Broadside in Color

Date: c.1889
Artist: Unknown
Size (in): 25” x 9.375”
Size (cm): 63.5 x 23.75
Condition: B+ (laminated)
Linen backed: No

This is a spectacular and impossibly rare 19th century Colorado railroad broadside in color issued by the Rio Grande Western Railway. The Rio Grande Western Railway was organized to convert the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railway track from narrow gauge to standard gauge in Colorado and Utah and we believe this broadside was issued around 1889 or 1890 when that work was completed. This broadside proclaims “Hallelujah ‘Tis Done!” and advertises The Rio Grande Western Railway as “Standard Gauge Throughout” and “…positively the short line between Salt Lake City, Leadville, Colorado Springs, Denver and Pueblo”.

This broadside came to us laminated by a prior owner but is otherwise in very good condition with beautiful color. The broadside was folded originally and there is a small notch off the right edge. There is minor paper loss to the margin on the right edge in a couple spots and a brief pencil notation in the upper margin. The back of the broadside has a couple brief pencil notations and a couple small pieces of tape which were not removed prior lamination. A Worldcat search locates no other copies of this broadside and none are traced at auction. This beautiful antique original broadside is probably the only survivor.