Historic Pueblo

MINE RESCUE CAR NO. 1

Built in 1882 as a Wagner Palace Sleeping Car, the Pullman Company modified it in 1910 for the U.S. Bureau of Mines’ program to improve mine safety and rescue operations in Colorado’s coal mines. It is one of only two such cars left in the country. Six were outfitted by the Bureau to serve as educational centers and rapid response rescue stations. Car No. 1  aided at numerous mining disasters before being sold to Colorado Fuel & Iron in 1923. The company used it at safety conventions and as a traveling classroom. The Pueblo County Historical Society is currently working to restore the car and plans to use it as an interpretive center. The car is now also on the National Register of Historic Places.  Designated 12/09/1998, 5PE.293