Durango is a great town. You can mountain bike, swim in the river in the summer, and ski and ride the Polar Express in winter. One thing that many people haven’t quite understood though, is our demonic naming. The Animas River is also called The Rio Des Las Animas or The River of Lost Souls. Our beloved ski hill is known as Purgatory. A Roman Catholic word describes Purgatory as a place that the lost souls of sinners inhabit. Durango High School’s mascot is a demon, so what’s the deal with the demonic theme?

According to the Durango Herald article “Is the Animas River truly the ‘River of Lost Souls’?” the Animas River got its name from a Spanish explorer by the name of “Juan Maria Antonio Rivera, who led what is considered the earliest known Western expedition through this region in 1765.” (Is the Animas truly the ‘River of Lost Souls’?). Other sources say that a ‘group’ was lost there very early in Durango’s history, but this remains unclear and may forever be a mystery. 

However, one thing that isn’t a mystery is the name of Purgatory. Durango.com proudly tells the story of Purgatory as a witty farmer who named a tributary of the Animas in that area Purgatory in the 1800s. 

The title that has the most speculation around it, however, is our very own mascot at Durango High School. Perhaps it’s because of Durango’s already dark and demonic theme or maybe because the founders thought it would be funny, but no sources explain why the DHS mascot is the Demons.  

While Durango is home to some demonic names, it doesn’t feel dark and scary. On the contrary, it is home to some amazing people, activities, and fantastic views. Durango is not a hot spot for evil spirits and actual demons, but it is a hot spot for the Durango Demons. 

If you know the story behind the DHS Demons, please contact El Diablo News at [email protected].