Ep 5. The Royal Gorge War

In Blood Feuds season 1 episode 5, "The Royal Gorge War," viewers are taken back in time to the mid-19th century, where the episode focuses on one of the most bitter and violent feuds in American history. At the heart of this feud is a struggle for power and control over the lucrative Royal Gorge railroad route.

The episode begins by providing viewers with background information on the rivalry between the Union Pacific and Santa Fe Railroad companies, who were both vying for control of the valuable Royal Gorge route in Colorado. However, tensions quickly escalated as these two companies began to employ ruthless tactics in their quest for superiority.

The Union Pacific, led by businessman Jay Gould, engaged in a series of underhanded tactics to gain control of the Royal Gorge, including violent attacks on Santa Fe Railroad workers and sabotage of their equipment. On the other side of the feud, the Santa Fe Railroad, headed by the wealthy and powerful Atchison family, fought back using similarly aggressive tactics.

As the feud intensified, both sides called in reinforcements, including hired guns and even the Colorado militia, leading to a full-scale war. The episode highlights the brutal violence of this conflict, with frequent shootouts and even instances of dynamite being used to derail trains.

One of the main factors contributing to the intensity of the Royal Gorge War was the value placed on the railroad route. The Royal Gorge was the only available passage through the Rocky Mountains at the time, and whoever controlled it held significant power and financial gain. The episode delves into the economic and political implications of this struggle for control, revealing the lengths that individuals and corporations will go to in their quest for power and wealth.

Overall, Blood Feuds season 1 episode 5 provides a fascinating look into one of the most violent and consequential feuds in American history. Through detailed historical research and expert interviews, viewers gain insight into the factors that ignited this conflict, the tactics employed by both sides, and the lasting impact of this struggle for control of the Royal Gorge railroad route.