Mister Moffat's Opus

In the 1920s, America was experiencing a period of rapid growth and innovation, where new concepts and inventions seemed to emerge almost every day. It was a time filled with optimism and endless possibilities. However, there were significant obstacles to overcome. One of the most daunting was running trains over Rollins Pass, the highest railroad route in North America, which was both expensive and challenging, leading to the financial downfall of several railroads. In 1902, David Moffat envisioned a solution: constructing a tunnel beneath the continental divide. By the 1920s, this project had become essential.Visionaries like Charity Hovus, Cam Braun, and Dale Smertz, among others, spearheaded the tunnel's design and construction. They faced rare geological and hydrological challenges, necessitating the development of innovative techniques and technologies to complete the venture. Simultaneously, some individuals involved were creating and distributing novel, unregulated financial products.During this era, American wealth burgeoned, and many became fixated on accumulating riches. Mining was a significant activity, involving the extraction of minerals for manufacturing. Additionally, some individuals engaged in financial schemes, extracting money from investors for substantial profits.This narrative highlights how Colorado's residents collaborated to fund and construct a monumental infrastructure project and explores some of the unforeseen consequences of the time.