Summary:
"Three Little Lines" by Josie Moore Crum is a historical account focusing on the Silverton Railroad and its associated narrow-gauge railroads in Colorado. Written in the mid-20th century, the book captures the intricacies of railroad construction and operation in the dramatic terrain of the Rocky Mountains during the late 19th century. It aims to document the challenges and achievements surrounding the development of these railroads, particularly under the influence of notable figures like Otto Mears. The narrative delves into the engineering feats required to build the Silverton Railroad, which included steep grades, sharp curves, and unique structures like a housed-over turntable. The book details the various engineering challenges faced during construction and the day-to-day operations of the railroad that linked mining towns and facilitated the transport of goods and ores. Crum chronicles the boom and bust cycles of mining in the region, the community's reliance on the railroad, and the eventual decline of these railroads due to economic pressures and changing transportation methods. Through rich descriptions and historical data, the book paints a vivid picture of a bygone era in American railroading. (This is an automatically generated summary.)