AP Historical Hard Drive 2008

With fifty seven 12 degree curves in its 111 mile long main line, the Laramie, North Park and Western railroad claims a place among the most winding railways in Laramie, Wyoming. The 44 year old railroad winds its circuitous way through the Medicine Bow National Forest between Laramie, Wyo., and Coalmont, Colo., over steep grades. Most of the range area through which the trains pass is unfenced so wandering herds of sheep and cattle often interrupt the trains. Deer and antelope also have halted operations at times. Winter operations are difficult as snow often clogs the narrow cuts and passes and rotary snowplows have to be pressed into service to keep the track open. Organized in 1903 with the high sounding title of Laramie, Hahns Peak and Pacific, the LNP & W changed hands and names several times. It gained its present name in 1924, and now is owned by the Union Pacific. Primarily the road carries timber products from the Snowy Range area of Southern Wyoming and the North Park region of Northern Colorado to Laramie where connection is made with the Union Pacific. However, the road also hauls livestock, oil and hay. Undated photo. (AP Photo)