We have already spoken of the discovery of Pike’s Peak.  At the summit of this mountain, 14,147 feet above the sea level, there is a little signal service station, which can be reached by railway.  When the mountain was first discovered several efforts were made to reach the summit, but without success.  Major Pike himself recorded his opinion that it would be impossible for any human being to ascend to the summit.  In these days of engineering progress there is, however, no such word as “impossible.”  Several enthusiasts talked as far back as twenty years ago of the possibility of a railroad to the very summit of the once inaccessible peak, and fifteen years ago a survey was made, with a view to building a railroad up the mountain, by a series of curves and nooks.

It was believed possible by the engineers that a railroad of standard gauge and equipment could be operated without special appliances, and so strongly was this view held that work was commenced on the project.  Eight miles of grading was completed, but the project was then abandoned in consequence of adverse reports received from experts, sent out for the purpose.  Their statement was that no grade would be able to stand the force of the washouts, though, strange to say, all the grading that was accomplished stands to-day, as firm as ever.  Three or four years later another project, destined to be more successful, came into existence.  In 1889, grading commenced, and finally the work was completed, and the summit of Pike’s Peak can now be reached by railroad.

The road itself is one of the most remarkable ones in the United States, and, indeed, in the world.  The road-bed is fifteen feet wide, and there is not a single foot of trestle work in the entire construction.  There are three short bridges of iron, and the precautions in the way of cross sections of masonry are very elaborate.  The average ascent per mile is 1,320 feet, and the total ascent is nearly 8,000 feet.  In the center of the track, between the heavy steel rails, are two cog rails, of great strength.  These are provided to insure absolute safety for travelers, one being for general use and the other as a kind of reserve.

Special locomotives are used on the line.  These were constructed by the Baldwin Company, of Philadelphia, and include the latest patents in engine building.  When standing on a level track they appear to be at a slant of about 8 per cent.  When on a mountain road, like that of Pike’s Peak, they are approximately level.  There are three wheels on each side of the engine, but these are not driving wheels, being merely used to help sustain the weight.  The driving wheels operate on the cog rails in the center of the track.  The cars also slope, or slant, like the engine.  No couplings are used, so that one great element of danger, is avoided.  The engine and the cars have each independent cog brakes of almost unlimited power.  When traveling three or four miles an hour, the little train, with the locomotive pushing instead of pulling it, can be stopped instantly.  When the speed reaches eight or nine miles an hour, stoppage can be effected in less than one revolution of a wheel.