Rails were laid into Arrow on September 18, 1904, 76 miles west of Denver.  Arrow, or Arrowhead, as it was initially called, was incorporated on December 29, 1904 as the first incorporated town in Grand County.

The reason for incorporating was to legalize the sale of liquor.  Until this time the site was part of the Forest Reserve on which the sale of liquor was prohibited.  Before incorporation, the barkeepers always had explained to inspectors that the kegs of liquor standing about were their "personal stock."

Before the railhead was extended westward in 1905, over 2,000 people from nearby construction camps received their mail at Arrow.  

Two miles above the old Berthoud Pass wagon road, Arrow existed as long as the Hill route was in operation.  Then it became a ghost town.  As you walk about the site, note the building foundations and excavations in all directions.

There was no passing track on the four-percent grade, as it did not permit safe stopping, so a level spur was built above the main track to serve the station.  The eating house or "dining room" fronted on the short side track.  A coal tipple, engine loop and stock yard were also alongside this track.  The town in its hey-day had pressure-tank gasoline street lights.  Such lamps were usually seen only on the boulevards of large cities!