Drabble 12: Santa Fe
Santa Fe, a 250 year old city of almost 5,000 souls poised on the edge of greatness. The railroad was coming!
Land speculators were also ready, driving up prices of land and almost everything, taking their chance to become rich.
The railroad barons were similar. They wanted the best route so they could make the most money.
John Cannon walked into the meeting to show them the way.
After the meeting, he told Joe. "You hit the telegraph office and meet the stage. I have a bit of shopping to do."
"Yes, sir. Hotel around 4 PM?"
"See you there."
~HC~
Author's Note: In actuality, despite all of the expectations including the name, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad never made it into the city. The grades made it too difficult, so the mainline that reached Santa Fe in February 1879 actually reached neighboring Lamy, New Mexico, in Santa Fe County instead of the actual city. A branch line was constructed between the two in 1880. It took many years for Santa Fe to recover, though it did become the capital of the State of New Mexico when the New Mexico Territory was admitted to the Union in 1912.
Unfortunately, Lamy didn't benefit greatly either, however, since the mainline was extended to Albuquerque, with connections from that point. Google says its current population in 2016 is about 218 people.
Finally, thanks to the Guest who commented on an earlier drabble and to all who are reading this work. I hope you're enjoying it and the more frequent posting schedule. Please don't forget to review or let me know your thoughts about it when you can! Thanks!