(Denver & Rio Grande Railroad) D. & Rio Grande, partial strike of circular handstamp (Towle 953-H-1, rarity X) with second strike canceling on 1870, 3¢ green entire to Grand Rapids, Mich., manuscript Atherton Farm, Colo., Aug 31, 1873 pencil docketing at upper left; reduced at left and small stain at top, F.-V.F., this is the only recorded example of this railroad postmark used during the territorial period. Estimate  $750 - 1,000. In 1871, the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad began construction southward, reaching the site of Colorado Springs in October of that year. From Denver to Colorado Springs the railroad followed one of the older routes, creating new towns along the way and occasionally providing railroad access for the existing stage stations and rest stops. $0 (Image)