Photo Description
The advent of the railroad in Leadville was hailed with joy, and considered a guarantee of everlasting prosperity. The first distinguished person to arrive over the new line was General Grant, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Fred Grant and child, and Governor Smith and wife of Wisconsin. This was on the evening of July 22, 1880. "The street lights were a blaze of splendor". A magnificent banquet was held the evening of the 24th at the Clarendon. Grant spoke on his first impressions of Leadville.
Excerpt from A History of Leadville, Colorado by Marshall Conant Graff
