| The second was the Foster Hotel and Saloon in Chama. Another photo that due to the name of the facility appearing on the front was an easy photo to identify. Having gone to Chama several times for the Cumbres and Toltec train ride, I identified this one immediately. For this photo Jim had to drive a few blocks out of his way from our route to Blue Spruce. But it was any easy get. We just pulled over into the parking areas near the Cumbres and Toltec train station and I jumped out and snapped the photo. Foster's Hotel is the oldest commercial structure in Chama. It was constructed in 1881 to accommodate travelers in Chama who were riding the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. The railroad passed through the northern New Mexico Territory enroute from Denver to Silverton or Santa Fe, which opened this area to trade and commerce for the first time. |
