This locomotive was built in December, 1896, by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia for the Union Pacific, Denver and Gulf Railway. The locomotive was given the number 9 on the receipt and placed into service on the Clear Creek LInes. It was renumbered 71 two years later when the Colorado and Southern Railway was formed. Rail service was provided from Golden to Central City from 1878 to 1927. The route ran along Clear Creeek, much of it on what is now the highway. Locomotive 71, one of the heaviest and most powerful locomotives owned by the C&S, ran both the Clear Creek and South Park Lines. It made its last run up the canyon to Black Hawk on April 10, 1941, and was then hauled by truck the rest of the way to Central City. Locomotive 71 is now owned by the City of Central.

Locomotive 71 plaque

 

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