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The Great Gates Blog dives into the intertwined histories of Rollins Pass and the Moffat Tunnel, highlighting their significance in shaping Colorado’s landscape. With a focus on accuracy and long-term preservation, our blog offers stories that typically prioritize depth and historical clarity over breaking news.
Welcome to The Great Gates Blog, the official blog of Preserve Rollins Pass. Here, we explore the deeply intertwined histories of both Rollins Pass and the Moffat Tunnel—two remarkable achievements and areas that have shaped Colorado’s landscape and transportation history. Whether you’re driven by a passion for preserving historical landmarks, eager to explore the untamed beauty of Colorado’s high country, or fascinated by the stories, structures, and engineering marvels that have shaped this region in Colorado, The Great Gates Blog offers a deep wealth of insights and narratives waiting to be discovered. Join us as we journey through time and terrain, advocating for the protection of these timeless ‘great gates’ and their legacies for future generations.
In line with our mission to preserve and protect these landscapes, we also approach storytelling and updates with patience and deliberation. In The Great Gates Blog, we prioritize a long-term perspective, where the enduring significance of preservation efforts becomes clear over time. We believe that the most meaningful stories about preservation, history, and landscapes are those that take time to unfold. As a result, you’ll rarely find posts discussing breaking news or recent developments. Instead, we take the time to evaluate the efficacy of projects and initiatives, and only after their outcomes are clear—often months or even years later—will we share insights and reflections. This approach allows us to provide thoughtful and measured content that contributes to a deeper understanding of our work, providing readers an opportunity to engage with stories that have lasting significance, far beyond the immediacy of the moment.
This approach extends to our commitment to accuracy. Accuracy is a cornerstone of our work. Wherever possible, we rely on original sources to tell the most authentic version of events and deliberately point out speculation or conjecture when original sources cannot be found. However, even original sources like newspapers, which sometimes relied on telegraph messages for their reporting, were susceptible to errors. The brevity and speed of telegraph transmissions often led to the omission of crucial details or slight misinterpretations, which could unintentionally distort the facts. To ensure accuracy, we carefully cross-check information across multiple sources and highlight where discrepancies might have occurred. As we expressed in our first book, “This legendary slice of Colorado is surrounded by many myths and factual inaccuracies; this book tries to dispel fiction wherever possible.” Similarly, our blog continues this tradition. Please enjoy!
We are in the process of moving our historical posts from Facebook to this blog. As we transfer these posts, they won’t necessarily be added in the order they were originally created, so there may be gaps at first. However, over time, these gaps will be filled in. For example, you might see a post from 2024 followed by one from 2018, but rest assured, every post will eventually appear with its correct date in chronological order as the migration continues. Update: All Moffat Tunnel related posts have been added to the blog; we are currently working on Rollins Pass related posts.
RECENT BLOG POSTS
- Moffat Tunnel Happenings of December 1924: Dynamite, Pickles, and Progress Under James Peak
Discover December 1924 at the Moffat Tunnel: progress milestones, holiday cheer, workers’ cravings for pickles, and the daring dynamite expert Pete. Moffat Tunnel Construction Happenings from 100 Years Ago Progress on the Moffat Tunnel surged ahead as the year came to a close. Solid rock was finally struck at the West Portal, marking a major milestone in the project. A newspaper article celebrated this breakthrough: “For over two weeks no timbering has been necessary, and hope is expressed that the tunnel is now in the solid granite under James Peak.” Despite the progress, caution remained: “Drilling must continue for another… Read more: Moffat Tunnel Happenings of December 1924: Dynamite, Pickles, and Progress Under James Peak - Colorado’s Great Portal to Greater Prosperity: Moffat Tunnel Happenings of November 1924
In November 1924, the Moffat Tunnel surged past one-third completion, inspiring community pride and reflecting Colorado’s boundless potential. Moffat Tunnel Construction Happenings from 100 Years Ago The construction of the Moffat Tunnel—a monumental engineering project piercing the backbone of the continent—continued to progress rapidly in November 1924. The East and West Portals were celebrated as “forming open doors to the opportunity beyond the dreams of this generation,” according to the Rocky Mountain News on November 8, 1924. Remarkable milestones, described as ‘splendid progress,’ were achieved this month. By November 15th, workers had reached the one-mile mark on the pioneer bore… Read more: Colorado’s Great Portal to Greater Prosperity: Moffat Tunnel Happenings of November 1924 - October 1924 in the Moffat Tunnel: Hard-Won Progress Amid Tough Conditions
Amid October 1924 storms and setbacks, the Moffat Tunnel project reached 25% completion, showcasing Colorado’s enduring pioneering spirit. Moffat Tunnel Construction Happenings from 100 Years Ago In October 1924, the Moffat Tunnel project encountered an early winter. A severe rainstorm-turned-snowstorm interrupted communications over Rollins Pass and suspended the power supply at the West Portal. East Portal recorded two feet of snow. As the snow continued to fall, so did the tasks piling up on the agenda for the Moffat Tunnel Commission, which required a quicker pace. According to the Steamboat Pilot on October 8, 1924, “The work of the commission… Read more: October 1924 in the Moffat Tunnel: Hard-Won Progress Amid Tough Conditions - Five Thousand, Two Hundred and Eighty Feet by September 20, 1924
In September 1924, Moffat Tunnel workers pushed to complete one mile of the tunnel by the contract’s anniversary, overcoming major challenges. Moffat Tunnel Construction Happenings from 100 Years Ago “Five thousand, two hundred and eighty feet by September 20.” This slogan echoed among the Moffat Tunnel workers at East Portal for much of September 1924, as they pushed to extend the pioneer bore a full mile into James Peak. The distance and timing held special significance, as they aimed to achieve this milestone by the first anniversary of the contract’s signing. So, they toiled, drilled, blasted, and mucked—on average about… Read more: Five Thousand, Two Hundred and Eighty Feet by September 20, 1924 - August 1924: Forest Fires, Schoolhouses, and Record Progress at the Moffat Tunnel
In August 1924, forest fires near the Moffat Tunnel led to closures, while new schoolhouses were built for workers’ children and tunnel progress continued. Moffat Tunnel Construction Happenings from 100 Years Ago As was case for much of the summer of 1924, forest fires continued to be a topic widely discussed in newspaper articles and in other sources. The Boulder Daily Camera on August 19, 1924, mentioned that a forest fire had broken out in the neighborhood of Rollinsville and that men were recruited from the East Portal of the Moffat Tunnel to assist in fighting the fire. In fact,… Read more: August 1924: Forest Fires, Schoolhouses, and Record Progress at the Moffat Tunnel - July 1924: Steady Tunnel Progress Amid Wildfires and Acts of Heroism
July 1924 saw steady Moffat Tunnel progress, wildfire threats near West Portal, and a brave 18-year-old who rushed to bring help. Moffat Tunnel Construction Happenings from 100 Years Ago July 1924 saw methodical and steady progress on the Moffat Tunnel in Colorado. Multiple articles stated that the work would be completed “on or before August 1, 1926” with costs “within the estimate.” As of July 1924, $2,598,054 had been spent to date; however only $592,945 had been for the actual construction. The remainder was for railroad sidings and camp buildings. July’s report emphasizes that rock excavation in the water tunnel,… Read more: July 1924: Steady Tunnel Progress Amid Wildfires and Acts of Heroism - June 1924: Wildfires Threaten the Moffat Tunnel as Steady Progress Continues
Wildfires threatened the West Portal of the Moffat Tunnel in June 1924, endangering workers and supplies, yet construction made steady progress. Moffat Tunnel Construction Happenings from 100 Years Ago June 1924 found steady progress at the Moffat Tunnel. However, in mid-June, a “huge” forest fire raged in the vicinity of the West Portal of the Moffat Tunnel. The smoke was visible from Nederland and Boulder, and the flames were visible from the town of Corona atop Rollins Pass. The fire scorched 2,500 acres southeast of the Idlewild station and south of the West Portal of the Moffat Tunnel. The fire… Read more: June 1924: Wildfires Threaten the Moffat Tunnel as Steady Progress Continues - May 1924: Tunnel Progress, Worker Bonuses, and Tragedies at the Moffat Tunnel
May 1924 saw steady progress at the Moffat Tunnel, the introduction of worker bonuses, and tragic accidents at the Continental Divide and East Portal. Moffat Tunnel Construction Happenings from 100 Years Ago May 1924 found work at the Moffat Tunnel progressing quite nicely. Hitchcock and Tinkler announced payment of a bonus effective May 1st (comprehensive details on the bonus at the end of this post.) The hope was that the bonus would speed up tunnel work, as there were still serious discussions being had that the date ‘1926’ would and could still be placed on the concrete entrances on both… Read more: May 1924: Tunnel Progress, Worker Bonuses, and Tragedies at the Moffat Tunnel - April 1924: Record Progress, Tunnel Challenges, and Preparing for Summer Tourists at the Moffat Tunnel
In April 1924, the Moffat Tunnel set new progress records, overcame construction challenges, and prepared for an influx of summer visitors. Moffat Tunnel Construction Happenings from 100 Years Ago April 1924 saw new records made in boring the Moffat Tunnel. Prior records were 20 feet of progress in a single day at East Portal, however, 23 feet became the new record. However, that progress was not without incident. In the April 21, 1924, Boulder Daily Camera newspaper, the mention read, “Alva Q. Healey, an old-time miner of the Sunshine district, Boulder county, is in St. Luke’s hospital, Denver, receiving treatment… Read more: April 1924: Record Progress, Tunnel Challenges, and Preparing for Summer Tourists at the Moffat Tunnel - March 1924: Record Tunnel Progress, Prohibition’s Impact, and a Near Disaster at the Moffat Tunnel
March 1924 saw record-breaking progress at the Moffat Tunnel, prohibition-related incidents, and a near disaster caused by a dynamite blast. Moffat Tunnel Construction Happenings from 100 Years Ago March 1924 finds new records being set at the Moffat Tunnel. A new record was set “when the water tunnel at West [P]ortal was driven 24 feet in 24 hours. The distance made at East Portal during the same time was 14 feet, total 38 feet for Monday. The new machinery is beginning to tell and very soon both portals will be showing increased results. The goal that is being striven for… Read more: March 1924: Record Tunnel Progress, Prohibition’s Impact, and a Near Disaster at the Moffat Tunnel - Feeding the Workforce and Powering Progress: February 1924 at the Moffat Tunnel
In February 1924, the Moffat Tunnel project advanced with hearty meals, new electric locomotives, and significant progress at both portals. Moffat Tunnel Construction Happenings from 100 Years Ago The saying of ‘an army marches on its stomach’ has been attributed to both Napoleon Bonaparte as well as Frederick the Great. The saying is also apt for the conditions on both sides of the Moffat Tunnel. Of the West Portal mess hall, the following description was penned by Viola J. Meair, the local manager of The Oak Creek Times newspaper: “The mess hall is a large, clean, well lighted building where… Read more: Feeding the Workforce and Powering Progress: February 1924 at the Moffat Tunnel - Jonas Wilson Pumphrey: A Moffat Tunnel Worker’s Passing on February 25, 1924
Commemorating the 100th anniversary of Jonas Wilson Pumphrey’s death during Moffat Tunnel construction, honoring his legacy and sacrifice in 1924. Moffat Tunnel Construction Happenings from 100 Years Ago One of the first tunnel workers died one hundred years ago today, on Monday, February 25, 1924. Jonas Wilson Pumphrey of Nederland died at 3:30pm at East Portal “after a five days illness of pneumonia.” Pumphrey was 58 years old and was “a driver of one of the electric motors being operated in the tunnel.” Pumphrey’s family moved from Erie to Nederland in 1922. Jonas left behind his wife, Rose, daughter Louise… Read more: Jonas Wilson Pumphrey: A Moffat Tunnel Worker’s Passing on February 25, 1924 - January 1924: Steady Progress, Financial Milestones, and Winter Challenges at the Moffat Tunnel
January 1924 saw continued Moffat Tunnel progress, winter challenges, and optimism as new equipment was expected to speed up construction efforts. Moffat Tunnel Construction Happenings from 100 Years Ago January 1924’s progress on the Moffat Tunnel followed a similar trajectory as December 1923. Progress at the West Portal was slow: about 12 feet per day was the average and the first crosscut had been started (but not yet timbered). More progress was made at the East Portal where the first crosscut between the pioneer bore to the railroad bore had been completed. Taking a look at financials, expenses at this… Read more: January 1924: Steady Progress, Financial Milestones, and Winter Challenges at the Moffat Tunnel - Christmas at the Moffat Tunnel: Progress, Celebrations, and Colorado Pride in December 1923
December 1923 saw steady progress on the Moffat Tunnel, festive celebrations, and debates over Colorado-made goods versus Missouri dynamite. Moffat Tunnel Construction Happenings from 100 Years Ago December 1923 found the progress in the pioneer bore of the Moffat Tunnel to be steady. In fact, the headway made in absence of the machinery ordered last month was quite good and many, many news articles were eagerly anticipating the potential for a joint celebration of Colorado’s Golden Jubilee (50th anniversary) and the completion of the Moffat Tunnel to align on August 1, 1926. Students of Colorado’s history know this was not… Read more: Christmas at the Moffat Tunnel: Progress, Celebrations, and Colorado Pride in December 1923 - Feasts, Bunkhouses, and Soft Rock: November 1923 at the Moffat Tunnel
Explore the November 1923 progress at the Moffat Tunnel, from mess halls and bonuses to timbering challenges and equipment orders. Moffat Tunnel Construction Happenings from 100 Years Ago The final few weeks of the year have always revolved around food, so it’s only fitting this installment begins with a mention of food and mess halls during the Moffat Tunnel’s construction. In November 1923 at West Portal, the mess hall was run by E.B. Ballance, “an experienced man in his line, and if any one kicks on the grub you can set it down that he never had half as good… Read more: Feasts, Bunkhouses, and Soft Rock: November 1923 at the Moffat Tunnel - Building the Moffat Tunnel: A Century of Engineering and Endurance at the East and West Portals
The historic cabins at the East Portal of the Moffat Tunnel, built a century ago, are being preserved through modern engineering efforts. A century ago, the engineers who would build the Moffat Tunnel first had to tackle much smaller engineering tasks: construct two towns on either end of the tunnel. These were specialized towns, however, consisting of bunk houses, cottages, dining halls, drill sharpening shops, powder magazines, schools, hospitals, barns, and more. (Everything except the saloon, as the tunnel was created entirely during prohibition; and no gambling halls as the contractor refused to allow the lifestyle.) In the end, the… Read more: Building the Moffat Tunnel: A Century of Engineering and Endurance at the East and West Portals - Gilpin County’s Newest Local Historic Landmark
The East Portal Camp Cabins at the Moffat Tunnel are a Gilpin County historic local landmark to help preserve history for future generations. Update: Historian and Vice Chair of the Gilpin County Historic Preservation Commission, B. Travis Wright, MPS, nominated the East Portal Camp Cabins at the Moffat Tunnel as a Gilpin County Historic Landmark. This landmark application was unanimously approved by the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners on June 13, 2023. Read more here. It is with great honor that I introduce Gilpin County’s newest local historic landmark: the East Portal Camp Cabins at the Moffat Tunnel! B. Travis Wright,… Read more: Gilpin County’s Newest Local Historic Landmark - 100 Years Ago Today: Supreme Court Clears the Way for Moffat Tunnel Construction100 years ago today, the Supreme Court ruled on Moffat Tunnel constitutionality, removing the final hurdle for construction to begin. Moffat Tunnel Construction Happenings from 100 Years Ago On this day, 100 years ago: Justice Sanford delivered the opinion of the Supreme Court of the United States about the constitutionality of the Moffat Tunnel. Sanford penned, “Evidently the preservation of this railroad, a common carrier of persons and property… is a matter of great public importance, and a tunnel enabling it to provide quicker and cheaper transportation during all seasons of the year will greatly promote the public welfare.” This… Read more: 100 Years Ago Today: Supreme Court Clears the Way for Moffat Tunnel Construction
- Final Decision Nears: Public Hearing on East Portal Camp Cabins Landmark Designation This TuesdayThe Gilpin County BoCC will decide on landmark status for the East Portal Camp Cabins this Tuesday at 9:30am. Update: Historian and Vice Chair of the Gilpin County Historic Preservation Commission, B. Travis Wright, MPS, nominated the East Portal Camp Cabins at the Moffat Tunnel as a Gilpin County Historic Landmark. This landmark application was unanimously approved by the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners on June 13, 2023. Read more here. Last month, the Gilpin County Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to recommend the East Portal Camp Cabins at the Moffat Tunnel as Gilpin County’s next local historic landmark to the… Read more: Final Decision Nears: Public Hearing on East Portal Camp Cabins Landmark Designation This Tuesday
- Public Hearing Tonight about the East Portal Camp Cabins at the Moffat TunnelPublic hearing tonight on the East Portal Camp Cabins at the Moffat Tunnel—help preserve these historic cabins. Update: Historian and Vice Chair of the Gilpin County Historic Preservation Commission, B. Travis Wright, MPS, nominated the East Portal Camp Cabins at the Moffat Tunnel as a Gilpin County Historic Landmark. This landmark application was unanimously approved by the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners on June 13, 2023. Read more here. Tonight at 6pm! Learn more at https://bit.ly/eastportalcampcabins B. Travis Wright, MPS | Preserve Rollins Pass | May 18, 2023 The primary purpose of our work is to inform the public.
- Honoring History: Tomorrow’s Vote on the East Portal Camp Cabins at the Moffat Tunnel
The East Portal Camp Cabins vote happens tomorrow at 6pm MT. Help secure landmark status for these historic cabins. Update: Historian and Vice Chair of the Gilpin County Historic Preservation Commission, B. Travis Wright, MPS, nominated the East Portal Camp Cabins at the Moffat Tunnel as a Gilpin County Historic Landmark. This landmark application was unanimously approved by the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners on June 13, 2023. Read more here. The cabin in the foreground—flying the 48-star American flag—was home to the East Portal Paymaster Charles “Art” Rogers and his family. Rogers’ home is one of the five remaining cabins… Read more: Honoring History: Tomorrow’s Vote on the East Portal Camp Cabins at the Moffat Tunnel - Preserving History: The East Portal Camp Cabins of the Moffat Tunnel Could Become Local Landmarks
East Portal Cabins Preservation is under review for landmark status near Moffat Tunnel, which could unlock grants for restoration. Update: Historian and Vice Chair of the Gilpin County Historic Preservation Commission, B. Travis Wright, MPS, nominated the East Portal Camp Cabins at the Moffat Tunnel as a Gilpin County Historic Landmark. This landmark application was unanimously approved by the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners on June 13, 2023. Read more here. It was 1927 when McMechen concluded his epic tome of the Moffat Tunnel by writing, “The regrettable feature of the story told… is that all Colorado citizens could not envision… Read more: Preserving History: The East Portal Camp Cabins of the Moffat Tunnel Could Become Local Landmarks - The Moffat Tunnel’s Centennial Countdown Begins This Year
Experience the Moffat Tunnel’s legacy. Follow its incredible construction journey through time with exclusive stories, images, and more. Moffat Tunnel Construction Happenings from 100 Years Ago Exactly 95 years after its construction, the Moffat Tunnel remains a powerful testament to the human spirit and an incredible engineering achievement—but how did it begin? Flanking the simple portals at each end of the tunnel are two tarnished and oxidized years, “1923” and “1927”—what sagas, challenges, successes, and chronicles are held between those bookended dates both inside and outside the tunnel? How has the intervening century changed our impressions about this astonishing American… Read more: The Moffat Tunnel’s Centennial Countdown Begins This Year - Track the Centennial of the Moffat TunnelTrack the centennial of the construction and opening of the Moffat Tunnel in Colorado! 1923-1928 | 2023-2028 Our five-year story started in the summer of 2023 exclusively on this Facebook page for our social media followers and expanded on our Great Gates Blog for a broader audience. It will culminate on February 26, 2028, marking the centennial of the Moffat Tunnel’s opening ceremony. We’ll share never-before-seen imagery, video, and items—along with stories and perhaps some special guests along the way as well. B. Travis Wright, MPS | Preserve Rollins Pass | February 26, 2023 The primary purpose of our work is to… Read more: Track the Centennial of the Moffat Tunnel
The primary purpose of our work is to inform the public.
