Editing Durango, Colorado

{{short description|Home Rule City that is the seat of La Plata County, Colorado, United States}}
{{infobox settlement
<!-- Basic info  ---------------->
 | name                     = Durango, Colorado
 | settlement_type          = [[List of municipalities in Colorado#Home rule municipality|Home Rule City]]<ref name=COMun>{{cite web|url=https://dola.colorado.gov/dlg_lgis_ui_pu/publicMunicipalities.jsf|title=Active Colorado Municipalities|publisher=[[Colorado Department of Local Affairs]]|access-date=December 29, 2024}}</ref>
 | image_skyline            = Durango Colorado from Rim Drive.jpg
 | image_caption            = Durango as seen from Rim Drive
 | image_flag               = Flag of Durango, Colorado.svg
 | flag_size                = 
 | image_seal               = 
 | seal_size                = 
 | image_shield             = 
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 | image_blank_emblem       = 
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 | motto                    = "Open Spaces and Familiar Faces"
<!-- images and maps  ----------->
 | image_map                = La Plata County Colorado Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Durango Highlighted 0822035.svg
 | map_caption              = Location of the City of Durango in {{nowrap|[[La Plata County, Colorado]]}}
<!-- Pushpin map -->
|pushpin_map             = USA#USA Colorado
|pushpin_relief          = 
|pushpin_label           = Durango
|pushpin_label_position  = top
|pushpin_map_caption     = Location of the City of Durango, Colorado.
<!-- Location -->
|coordinates             = {{coord|37.2753|-107.8801|type:city_region:US-CO_source:GNIS-202983|display=it}}
|coordinates_footnotes   = <ref name=GNIS>{{cite gnis|id=202983|name=Durango, Colorado|access-date=December 29, 2024}}</ref>
|subdivision_type        = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
|subdivision_name        = United States
|subdivision_type1       = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_name1       = [[Colorado]]
|subdivision_type2       = [[List of counties in Colorado|County]]
|subdivision_name2       = [[La Plata County, Colorado|La Plata]]<ref name=COcounty>{{cite web|url=https://dola.colorado.gov/dlg_lgis_ui_pu/publicCounties.jsf|title=Colorado Counties|publisher=[[Colorado Department of Local Affairs]]|access-date=January 14, 2025}}</ref>
<!-- Politics ----------------->
 | established_title        = Founded
 | established_date         = 1880
 | established_title2       = [[municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
 | established_date2        = April 27, 1881<ref name=MuniIncCO>{{cite web | url = http://www.colorado.gov/dpa/doit/archives/muninc.html | title = Colorado Municipal Incorporations | publisher = [[Colorado|State of Colorado]], Department of Personnel & Administration, Colorado State Archives | date = December 1, 2004 | access-date = September 2, 2007}}</ref>
 | established_title3       = <!-- Incorporated (city) -->
 | established_date3        = 
 | government_footnotes     = 
 | government_type          = [[List of municipalities in Colorado#Home rule municipality|Home Rule City]]<ref name=COMun/>
 | leader_title             = Mayor
 | leader_title1            = Mayor Pro Tempore
<!-- Area --------------------->
 | area_footnotes           = <ref name=2020_Census>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/about/rdo/summary-files.html|title=Decennial Census P.L. 94-171 Redistricting Data|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]], [[United States Department of Commerce]]|date=August 12, 2021|access-date=September 7, 2021}}</ref>
 | area_total_km2           = 44.296
 | area_land_km2            = 38.093
 | area_water_km2           = 6.203
 | unit_pref                = Imperial

|elevation_ft            = 6532
|elevation_footnotes     = <ref name=GNIS/>

<!-- Population ----------------------->
 | population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
 | population_footnotes     = <ref name=2020_Census/>
 | population_total         = 19,071
 | population_density_sq_mi = 1,297
 | population_demonym       = Durangoan
 | population_metro         = 55,638
<!-- General information ----------------------->
 | timezone1                = [[Mountain Time Zone|MST]]
 | utc_offset1              = −07:00
 | timezone1_DST            = [[Mountain Time Zone|MDT]]
 | utc_offset1_DST          = −06:00
 | postal_code_type         = [[ZIP code]]s<ref name=ZIPcode>{{cite web |url=http://zip4.usps.com/zip4/citytown.jsp |title=ZIP Code Lookup |format=[[JavaScript]]/[[HTML]] |publisher=[[United States Postal Service]] |access-date=September 8, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101104123722/http://zip4.usps.com/zip4/citytown.jsp |archive-date=November 4, 2010 }}</ref>
 | postal_code              = 81301-81303
 | area_code                = [[Area code 970|970]]
 | footnotes                = 
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 | dot_x                    = 
 | dot_y                    = 
 | leader_title2            = City Manager
 | leader_title3            = City Council
|blank_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS pop ID]]
|blank_info              = {{GNIS 4|202983}} 
|blank1_name             = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS city ID]]
|blank1_info             = {{GNIS 4|2410374}}
|blank2_name             = [[Federal Information Processing Standards|FIPS code]]
|blank2_info             = {{FIPS|08|22035}}
| website                = [https://www.durangogov.org/ City of Durango]
}}

'''Durango''' is the [[List of municipalities in Colorado#Home rule municipality|home rule city]] that is the [[county seat]] and the [[List of municipalities in Colorado|most populous municipality]] of [[La Plata County, Colorado]], United States.<ref name=COMun/> The city population was 19,071 at the [[2020 United States census]].<ref name=2020_Census/> Durango is the home of [[Fort Lewis College]].

==History==
The town was organized from September 1880 to April 1881 by the [[Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad|Denver and Rio Grande Railroad]] (D&RG, later known as the Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad) as part of their efforts to reach [[Silverton, Colorado]], and service the San Juan mining district, the goal of their "San Juan Extension" built from [[Alamosa, Colorado]]. The D&RG chose a site in the Animas Valley close to the [[Animas River]] near what is now the Downtown Durango Historic Business District for its railroad facilities following a brief and most likely perfunctory negotiation with the other establishment in the area known as Animas City, {{Convert|2|mi|spell=in}} to the north.<ref>Nossaman, Allen (19998). Many More Mountains Vol. 3: Rails into Silverton.</ref> The city was named by ex-Colorado Governor [[Alexander C. Hunt]], a friend of D&RG President [[William Jackson Palmer]], after [[Durango, Durango|Durango, Mexico]], based on his favorable impression of that city resulting from a scouting trip undertaken on behalf of Palmer.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|last=Smith|first=Duane A.|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/44959038|title=Rocky Mountain boom town : a history of Durango, Colorado|date=1992|publisher=University Press of Colorado|isbn=0-585-02503-7|location=Niwot, Colo.|oclc=44959038}}</ref>

Palmer, among other D&RG associates such as William Bell, started a subsidiary company known as the Durango Trust to sell land and plan a Main Street, 2nd, and 3rd Avenue, and so on to organize the town, taking inspiration from how Palmer founded the city of [[Colorado Springs, Colorado|Colorado Springs]]. Sales from the Durango Trust skyrocketed by the completion of the D&RG's Silverton Branch, and by 1885, Durango's business district had seven hotels and restaurants, eleven saloons, dance halls and stores, two bakeries and blacksmith shops, and a variety of other businesses, also boosting the town of Silverton's population to 2,000 at the time.<ref name=":0" />

The D&RG(W) and the [[Rio Grande Southern Railroad]] were vital resources to many places, including Durango, before the major introduction of the [[Car|automobile]], helping transport goods such as produce and mineral traffic in and out of the Southwestern Colorado area, and along with other businesses such as the [[The Durango smelter|Durango Smelter]], immensely supporting the town's economy. However, the [[Great Depression]] and aftermath of [[World War II]] hurt the area's railroad industry. The Rio Grande Southern lost its contract to transport mail in 1951, and soon thereafter suspended operations. The D&RGW also ended their San Juan Express passenger service from Durango to Alamosa. However, the natural scenery along their Silverton Branch had been recognized as a major tourist attraction. In turn, the D&RGW introduced the major tourism industry into the Durango area, transporting visitors up to Silverton and back and attracting [[Cinema of the United States|Hollywood]] into La Plata County for a time. Once the D&RGW ended up losing its freight traffic in 1968, the tracks from Durango east to [[Chama, New Mexico]], and south to [[Farmington, New Mexico]], were removed, but the Silverton Branch remained in operation until 1981 when it was sold and became the [[Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad|Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad]].<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite book|last=Dorman|first=Richard L. |title=Durango: always a railroad town |date=1987 |publisher=R.D. Publications |isbn=0-9616656-1-0 |edition=1st |location=Santa Fe, NM |oclc=17515710}}</ref>

There are significant archaeological sites surrounding the Durango area featured on the State and National historical registers, including:
* [[Mesa Verde National Park]], a World Heritage site
* [[Chimney Rock National Monument]], the most northeastern known outpost of the Ancestral Puebloans
* [[Durango Rock Shelters Archeology Site]], a Basketmaker and [[Ancient Pueblo People|Pueblo]] culture site
* [[Spring Creek Archeological District]], a Basketmaker and Pueblo site
* [[Talus Village]], a Basketmaker site

==Geography==
At the [[2020 United States census]], the town had a total area of {{convert|44.296|km2|acre|order=flip}}, including {{convert|6.203|km2|acre|order=flip}} of water.<ref name=2020_Census/>

===Climate===
According to the [[Köppen climate classification]] system, Durango has a [[humid continental climate|mediterranean-influenced humid continental climate]] (''Dsa'' / ''Dsb'').

{{Weather box
|location = Durango, Colorado, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1991–2018
|single line = Yes
|collapsed = Yes
|Jan record high F = 60
|Feb record high F = 71
|Mar record high F = 78
|Apr record high F = 84
|May record high F = 98
|Jun record high F = 96
|Jul record high F = 99
|Aug record high F = 95
|Sep record high F = 96
|Oct record high F = 86
|Nov record high F = 72
|Dec record high F = 62

|Jan avg record high F = 
|Feb avg record high F = 
|Mar avg record high F = 
|Apr avg record high F = 
|May avg record high F = 
|Jun avg record high F = 
|Jul avg record high F = 
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|Sep avg record high F = 
|Oct avg record high F = 
|Nov avg record high F = 
|Dec avg record high F = 
|year avg record high F =

|Jan high F = 39.2
|Feb high F = 45
|Mar high F = 54.1
|Apr high F = 62.8
|May high F = 71.3
|Jun high F = 81.3
|Jul high F = 85
|Aug high F = 82.3
|Sep high F = 75.7
|Oct high F = 64.3
|Nov high F = 50.1
|Dec high F = 39.9
|year high F =

|Jan mean F = 26.1
|Feb mean F = 31.8
|Mar mean F = 39.6
|Apr mean F = 46.4
|May mean F = 54.3
|Jun mean F = 63.5
|Jul mean F = 68.9
|Aug mean F = 66.9
|Sep mean F = 60.1
|Oct mean F = 48.6
|Nov mean F = 36.4
|Dec mean F = 26.7
|year mean F =

|Jan low F = 13
|Feb low F = 18.6
|Mar low F = 25.1
|Apr low F = 30
|May low F = 37.2
|Jun low F = 45.6
|Jul low F = 52.9
|Aug low F = 51.5
|Sep low F = 44.5
|Oct low F = 32.9
|Nov low F = 22.7
|Dec low F = 13.4
|year low F =

|Jan avg record low F = 
|Feb avg record low F = 
|Mar avg record low F = 
|Apr avg record low F = 
|May avg record low F = 
|Jun avg record low F = 
|Jul avg record low F = 
|Aug avg record low F = 
|Sep avg record low F = 
|Oct avg record low F = 
|Nov avg record low F = 
|Dec avg record low F = 
|year avg record low F =

|Jan record low F = -12
|Feb record low F = -5
|Mar record low F = 0
|Apr record low F = 10
|May record low F = 21
|Jun record low F = 28
|Jul record low F = 35
|Aug record low F = 40
|Sep record low F = 26
|Oct record low F = 11
|Nov record low F = -2
|Dec record low F = -14

|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation inch = 2.17
|Feb precipitation inch = 1.71
|Mar precipitation inch = 1.32
|Apr precipitation inch = 1.25
|May precipitation inch = 1.18
|Jun precipitation inch = 0.53
|Jul precipitation inch = 1.92
|Aug precipitation inch = 2.28
|Sep precipitation inch = 2.22
|Oct precipitation inch = 1.93
|Nov precipitation inch = 1.46
|Dec precipitation inch = 1.65
|year precipitation inch =

|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
|Jan precipitation days = 7.1
|Feb precipitation days = 8
|Mar precipitation days = 6.6
|Apr precipitation days = 6.6
|May precipitation days = 6.7
|Jun precipitation days = 4.4
|Jul precipitation days = 11.3
|Aug precipitation days = 12.6
|Sep precipitation days = 8.7
|Oct precipitation days = 7.3
|Nov precipitation days = 6.5
|Dec precipitation days = 7.1

|Jan snow inch = 19.4
|Feb snow inch = 15.4
|Mar snow inch = 5.3
|Apr snow inch = 3.8
|May snow inch = 0.2
|Jun snow inch = 0
|Jul snow inch = 0
|Aug snow inch = 0
|Sep snow inch = 0
|Oct snow inch = 1.1
|Nov snow inch = 5.5
|Dec snow inch = 13
|year snow inch =

|unit snow days = 0.1 in
|Jan snow days = 6.9
|Feb snow days = 6.5
|Mar snow days = 3.8
|Apr snow days = 2.2
|May snow days = 0.2
|Jun snow days = 0
|Jul snow days = 0
|Aug snow days = 0
|Sep snow days = 0
|Oct snow days = 0.7
|Nov snow days = 3.4
|Dec snow days = 6

|Jan snow depth inch = 
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|source 1 = NOAA<ref name = NOAA>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USC00052441&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL
|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|title = U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Durango, CO
|access-date = June 13, 2024
}}
</ref>
|source 2 = XMACIS2<ref name = XMACIS2>
{{cite web
|url = https://xmacis.rcc-acis.org/
|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|title = xmACIS2
|access-date = June 13, 2024
}}
</ref>
}}

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|align=left
|1890= 2726
|1900= 3317
|1910= 4686
|1920= 4116
|1930= 5400
|1940= 5887
|1950= 7459
|1960= 10530
|1970= 10333
|1980= 11649
|1990= 12430
|2000= 13922
|2010= 16887
|2020= 19071
|footnote=[[United States census|U.S. Decennial Census]]
}}

As of the 2000 [[census]],<ref name="GR2">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=January 31, 2008 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref> there were 13,922 people, 5,492 households, and 2,603 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|2,052.4|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 5,819 housing units at an average density of {{convert|857.8|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units&nbsp;|units|}}. The racial makeup of the city was 86.8% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.5% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 5.5% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.7% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.1% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 4.1% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 2.2% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] people of any race were 10.3% of the population.

There were 5,492 households, out of which 22.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.2% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 9.4% had a single female householder, and 52.6% were non-families. 31.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.83.

In the city, 16.6% of residents were under the age of 18, 26.1% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 10.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $34,892, and the median income for a family was $50,814. Males had a median income of $31,812 versus $25,022 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $19,352. 17.2% of the population and 7.3% of families were living below the [[poverty line]]. 11.2% of those younger than 18 and 8.9% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.
{{clear|left}}

==Arts and culture==

===Main Avenue===
[[File:Strater Hotel.jpg|thumb|The [[Strater Hotel]] in 2010]]

[[Main Avenue Historic District (Durango, Colorado)|Main Avenue]] is a Nationally Registered Historic District that cuts through downtown Durango and is home to galleries, boutiques, restaurants, bars, and other businesses. Two notable and historic hotels, the General Palmer and the [[Strater Hotel|Strater]], lie at the south end of the avenue, near the [[Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad]] depot. With its combination of historic architecture, entertainment, and shopping, Main Avenue has historically comprised the center of Durango and is a popular year-round tourist destination.

===Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad===
Durango is known worldwide for the [[Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad]], a [[heritage railway|heritage railroad]] that operates what was the Denver & Rio Grande Western's Branchline to the historic mining town of [[Silverton, Colorado]], also still notably using historic D&RGW [[Steam locomotive|Steam Locomotives]] and other historic rail equipment.

[[File:D^RGW 492 Durango turntable 8-65x - Flickr - drewj1946.jpg|thumb|D&RGW steam locomotive on the Durango [[Railway turntable|turntable]], 1965]]

===Snowdown Festival===
Durango is home to Snowdown, an annual midwinter event popular for its Parade of Lights and other events. The event lasts 5 days, with competitions and costumes.

===Durango Ragtime & Early Jazz Festival===
The annual Durango Ragtime & Early Jazz Festival features noted musicians from around the country. It is held in the Strater Hotel, a historic Victorian hotel in Durango. It is hosted by popular Durango resident and ragtime pianist [[Adam Swanson]].

===Iron Horse Bicycle Classic===

Founded in 1972, the Iron Horse is a {{Convert|61|mi|adj=on}} bicycle road race held annually in Durango. Every year cyclists from around the world come together and race the Durango Narrow Gauge Train on its journey from Durango to [[Silverton, Colorado|Silverton]].

==Economy==

===Top Employers===
With over 35,000 employees working in the city, Durango is an economic hub in southwestern Colorado and the Four Corners region. According to Durango's 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.durangoco.gov/DocumentCenter/View/33637/2023-City-of-Durango-Annual-Comprehensive-Report-Final |title=2023 City of Durango Annual Comprehensive Report |publisher=City of Durango |website=durangoco.gov}}</ref> the city's top employers are:
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! # !! Employer !! Number of employees
|-
| 1 || [[Southern Ute Indian Reservation]] || 1,600
|-
| 2 || Durango School District 9-R|| 998
|-
| 3 || Mercy Medical Center || 901
|-
| 4 || Purgatory Recreational Management || 850
|-
| 5 || [[Fort Lewis College]] || 683
|-
| 6 || [[La Plata County, Colorado|La Plata County]] || 445
|-
| 7 || [[Walmart]] || 437
|-
| 8 || City of Durango || 354
|-
| 9 || Bayfield School District 11-JT || 216
|-
| 10 || [[Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory]] || 200
|-
|}

==Media==
{{main|Media in Durango, Colorado}}
Durango has a number of media outlets, such as the newspaper ''[[The Durango Herald]]''. Some radio stations in Durango are 99x Durango, The Point, KDGO, XRock 105.3, KDUR 91.9/93.9, and Four Corners Broadcasting (KIQX 101.3, KRSJ 100.5, KKDC 93.3, and KKDC AM 930).

==Transportation==
Durango is served by [[U.S. Highway 160 (Colorado)|U.S. Highway 160]] (the [[Old Spanish Trail (trade route)|Old Spanish Trail]]), running east–west, and [[U.S. Highway 550 (Colorado)|U.S. Highway 550]], running north–south. Part of U.S. 550 offers high-speed access (primarily a 4-lane, divided highway) to [[Albuquerque, New Mexico]]. North of Durango, 550 is nicknamed the [[Million Dollar Highway]], and is part of the scenic [[San Juan Skyway]].

Durango is served by [[Durango–La Plata County Airport]] ([[IATA]] code: DRO), a major regional airport for southwestern Colorado, located near [[Ignacio, Colorado]]. The airport is serviced year-round by regional carriers [[Mesa Airlines]] ([[American Eagle (airline brand)|American Eagle]]), [[SkyWest Airlines]] (American Eagle and [[United Express]]), [[Republic Airways]] (United Express), and [[Envoy Air]] (American Eagle).

As of 2014, regional connecting hubs to DRO include [[Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport]] (DFW), [[Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport]] (PHX), and [[Denver International Airport]] (DEN).

Durango Transit provides several loop bus routes in the community, including [[Fort Lewis College]]. Normal hours of operation are weekdays from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm. Ignacio Road Runner provides bus service to the nearby towns of Ignacio, Colorado, and [[Bayfield, Colorado]], with four trips daily on weekdays and one on Saturdays. Both services share the Durango Transit Center as a hub.

[[Greyhound Lines]] formerly served Durango, but after budget cuts, the service was discontinued. Since 2014, Road Runner Transit (a service of Southern Ute Community Action Programs) has restored daily bus service between Grand Junction and Durango.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://durangoherald.com/articles/75736 |title=Bus service to Grand Junction to resume |author=Dale Rodebaugh |date=July 11, 2014 |newspaper=Durango Herald |access-date=August 27, 2017 |archive-date=August 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813122545/https://durangoherald.com/articles/75736 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Since 2018, Road Runner's service has been incorporated into the larger mantle of the state-run program [[Bustang]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Armijo |first1=Patrick |title=Road Runner bus line to join state network |url=https://durangoherald.com/articles/201794-road-runner-bus-line-to-join-state-network |newspaper=The Durango Herald |date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=November 30, 2019 |archive-date=August 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804145443/https://durangoherald.com/articles/201794-road-runner-bus-line-to-join-state-network |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Education==
Durango is served by Durango School District 9-R. The district operates multiple schools in the city:<ref>{{cite web |title=Durango School District 9-R |url=https://www.durangoschools.org/ |website=durangoschools.org}}</ref>

*Animas Valley Elementary School
*Florida Mesa Elementary School
*Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School (located in [[Hesperus, Colorado|Hesperus]])
*Needham Elementary School
*Park Elementary School
*Riverview Elementary School
*Sunnyside Elementary School
*Escalante Middle School
*Miller Middle School
*Durango High School

Also located in Durango are the Juniper School and Animas High School (both public charter schools) and Big Picture High School, which offers alternative education.

===Higher Education===
* [[Fort Lewis College]], a public four-year liberal arts college, sits on a {{convert|350|ft|adj=on}} [[mesa]] overlooking downtown Durango and is accredited by the [[Higher Learning Commission]]. As of 2024, 3,544 students were enrolled at FLC.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Common Data Sets {{!}} Institutional Research |publisher=Fort Lewis College |url=https://www.fortlewis.edu/about-flc/leadership/institutional-effectiveness/institutional-research/common-data-sets |website=fortlewis.edu}}</ref>
* Pueblo Community College Southwest, a branch of [[Pueblo Community College]], is in the Durango High School building on North Main Avenue.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pueblocc.edu/southwest |title=PCC Southwest |website=pueblocc.edu/southwest}}</ref>

==Notable people==
* [[Paco Ahlgren]], writer
* [[Ross Anderson (skier)|Ross Anderson]], professional speed skier
* [[Steve Carlton]], Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher 
* [[Ann Cummins]], novelist and short story writer
* [[Robert E. DeNier]] (1921–2010), member of the Colorado House of Representatives and the Colorado Senate
* [[James Garesche Ord]], [[United States Army]] [[Major General (United States)|Major General]]
* [[Missy Giove]], cyclist
* [[Howard Grotts]], cyclist
* [[Greg Herbold]], cyclist
* [[Sarah Hirshland]] (born 1975), chief executive officer of the [[United States Olympic Committee]]
* [[Sepp Kuss]], cyclist
* [[Ned Overend]], cyclist
* [[Bob Roll]], retired pro cyclist
* [[Stuart Roosa]], NASA astronaut 
* [[Johnnie Seale]], MLB pitcher for the [[Detroit Tigers]]
* [[Quinn Simmons]], cyclist
* [[Ed Stasium]], record producer
* [[Tom Tully]], Oscar-nominated actor
* [[Shan Wells]], sculptor and illustrator
* [[Todd Wells]], cyclist

==Sister cities==
{{SisterCities|Durango|two}}
* {{flagdeco|Mexico}} [[Durango, Durango|Durango]], Mexico
* {{flagdeco|Spain}} [[Durango, Spain|Durango]], Spain

==References in television and film==
The [[Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad|Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad]] began to advertise the La Plata County Area to [[Cinema of the United States|Hollywood]] beginning in the mid-1930s, kick-starting Durango's future in film appearances.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|last=Jensen|first=Larry|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/967732272|title=Hollywood's railroads : volume three, Narrow Gauge Country|date=2014|isbn=978-0-692-31351-0|location=[Sequim, WA]|oclc=967732272}}</ref>
*Parts of the 1948 film ''[[Colorado Territory (film)|Colorado Territory]]'' were filmed in the Durango area including the Railroad Depot and the D&RGW's railroad line south to [[Farmington, New Mexico]].<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Citation|title=Colorado Territory (1949) - IMDb|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0041253/locations|access-date=March 30, 2021}}</ref>
*The 1950 film ''[[A Ticket to Tomahawk]]'' was shot primarily in the La Plata County area involving the D&RGW's Silverton Branch (later to become the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad), filmed north of Durango, [[Silverton, Colorado]], on the current site of [[Fort Lewis College]], as well as a shot of a [[Rio Grande Southern Railroad]] [[Trestle bridge|Trestle]] located west of Durango near Wild Cat Canyon. This was one of [[Marilyn Monroe]]'s first onscreen appearances as well.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Citation|title=A Ticket to Tomahawk (1950) - IMDb|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043046/locations|access-date=March 30, 2021}}</ref>
*Much of the 1952 film [[Denver and Rio Grande (film)|''Denver and Rio Grande'']] was shot on whats now the D&RGW's Silverton Branch, retelling the story of the D&RG's battle for rights into the [[Royal Gorge]], against the [[Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway|Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad]].<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Citation|title=Denver & Rio Grande (1952) - IMDb|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044537/locations|access-date=March 30, 2021}}</ref>
*Much of the 1953 western movie ''[[The Naked Spur]]'' starring [[James Stewart]] was shot in Durango.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044953/locations|title=The Naked Spur (1953)|website=IMDb|access-date=August 27, 2017}}{{unreliable source?|date=March 2021}}</ref>
* Several parts of the 1955 western film ''[[Run for Cover (film)|Run for Cover]]'' starring [[James Cagney]], were filmed just north of Durango in and around the upper Hermosa Valley area. Includes shots of the D&RGW Silverton Branch as well.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048570/locations|title=Run for Cover (1955)|website=IMDb|access-date=August 27, 2017}}{{unreliable source?|date=March 2021}}</ref> 
* Portions of the 1957 western ''[[Night Passage (film)|Night Passage]]'' starring a returning [[James Stewart]], as well as [[Audie Murphy]] and [[Brandon deWilde]] were filmed near Durango and on the D&RGW's Silverton Branch.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050763/locations|title=Night Passage (1957)|website=IMDb|access-date=August 27, 2017}}{{unreliable source?|date=March 2021}}</ref>
* Parts of the 1969 film ''[[Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid]]'' were filmed north of town along the [[Animas River]], as well as scenes of the D&RGW Railroad on the Silverton branch, and southeast of Durango near Florida, as well as other locations on the D&RGW narrow gauge system.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064115/locations|title=Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)|website=IMDb|access-date=August 27, 2017}}{{unreliable source?|date=March 2021}}</ref><ref name=":1" />
*The 1978 [[Roger Corman]] film ''[[Avalanche (1978 film)|Avalanche]]'', starring [[Rock Hudson]] and [[Mia Farrow]], was filmed mainly at Durango Mountain Resort and at the Lodge at Tamarron in north Durango.<ref>{{cite web |title=Avalanche (1978) |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077189/?ref_=ttloc_loc_tt |website=IMDb |access-date=August 22, 2019}}{{unreliable source?|date=March 2021}}</ref>
* The television series ''[[Cannon (TV series)|Cannon]]'', episode "Sky Above, Death Below" was filmed in and around Durango, Purgatory Resort, and Chimney Rock.<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0536021/ IMDB: ''Cannon: Sky Above, Death Below ''], television series.{{unreliable source?|date=March 2021}}</ref>
* Part of the 1991 film ''[[City Slickers]]'' was shot in Durango.<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101587/locations IMDB: ''City Slickers'' (1991) - Filming locations]{{unreliable source?|date=March 2021}}</ref>
* The 1999 movie ''[[Durango Kids]]'' describes a time tunnel in the old mines outside of Durango.<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0267455/ IMDB: ''Durango Kids''], motion picture.{{unreliable source?|date=March 2021}}</ref>
* Parts of the 1993 film ''[[Cliffhanger (film)|Cliffhanger]]'' were shot in Durango.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106582/locations?ref_=ttco_sa_5|title=Cliffhanger (1993)|website=IMDb|access-date=August 27, 2017}}{{unreliable source?|date=March 2021}}</ref>
* The 2024 documentary ''[[Hacking at Leaves]]'' features the local [[maker space]] called "Maker Lab".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14493924/|website=IMDb|access-date=May 20, 2024 |title=Hacking at Leaves }}</ref>

==See also==
{{portal|Geography|History|United States|Colorado}}
*[[Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad]]
*[[Durango Herald]]
*[[Durango Telegraph]]
*[[List of municipalities in Colorado]]
*[[List of populated places in Colorado]]
*[[List of post offices in Colorado]]
*[[Old Spanish National Historic Trail]]
{{clear}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{sister project links|auto=yes}}
*[https://www.durangogov.org/ City of Durango]
*[https://www.colorado.gov/ State of Colorado]
**[http://dtdapps.coloradodot.info/staticdata/Downloads/CityMaps/Durango.pdf CDOT map of the City of Durango]
**[https://www.historycolorado.org/ History Colorado]
{{La Plata County, Colorado|collapse_state=expanded}}
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{{Colorado county seats}}
{{National Register of Historic Places in Colorado}}
{{protected areas of Colorado}}
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[[Category:Durango, Colorado| ]]
[[Category:Cities in La Plata County, Colorado]]
[[Category:Cities in Colorado]]
[[Category:County seats in Colorado]]
[[Category:Company towns in Colorado]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1881]]
[[Category:1881 establishments in Colorado]]