"Como Roundhouse
Built in 1881 by Italian stonemasons, the six-bay Como Roundhouse sheltered locomotives that battled their way over Boreas Pass. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is one of the region's best preserved railroad structures. A roadside exhibit at the south end of Como interprets the Roundhouse and other local resources. Como Railroad Days is held annually on the 3rd Saturday in August, and includes tours of the Roundhouse and several other historic railroad sites. For more information about Roundhouse tours and donations, please contact comoroundhouse@gmail.com." (from (
visit link) )
The sign reads:
Roundhouse at Como, Colorado
Built in 1881, by the Denver, South Park, and Pacific Railroad,
this six bay stone roundhouse served as their division repair
shops. Como was a division point on the narrow gauge railroad,
with tracks running to Denver via Kenosha Pass, to Leadville
and Breckenridge via Boreas Pass, and to Gunnison via South
Park and the Alpine Tunnel.
The Union Pacific Railroad gained control of the DSP&P in 1881.
In 1889, the DSP&P was reorganized, and became the Denver,
Leadville & Gunnison Railroad. Over the next decade, two
wooden additions, totaling thirteen bays, were added to the
roundhouse. The Union Pacific lost control of the DL&G Railroad
in 1893, and in 1899, the DL&G was incorporated into the new
Colorado & Southern Railway Company. The roundhouse
continued its period of growth through several modifications
to the building. The facility, and the town of Como, reached their
peak in 1910, at which time the alpine tunnel closed due to
a cave-in. Around 1918, the wooden additions were cut down
to just 3 bays, and in 1935, those 3 bays burned to the ground.
In 1938, the last train pulled out of Como, taking up the rail
behind it, and ending Como's life as a railroad town.
Although the stone section did survive the fire, its condition
deteriorated as it was modified for use as a warehouse,
sawmill, and barn. In May of 1983, the Como Roundhouse
was registered as a national historic site. In 1984, it was
purchased by William Kazel, under whose supervision,
restoration work began in 1985.
Dedicated June 21, 1997 by
E. Clampus Vitus, Matt Warner, Chapter #1900
and Al Packer Outpost #100
There is a wonderful collection of historic photos of the roundhouse and trains at (
visit link) . This property was listed on the NRHP in 1983.
There is a Facebook page for the roundhouse at (
visit link) . This page provides information about the restoration of the roundhouse as well as fund raising activities to help keep this treasure protected!
Please note that this property is privately owned and you may not enter unless accompanied by an approved representative. You may photograph from the roadway. Use the above email address to receive visiting hours.