When the Union Pacific Railroad chose a route through Wyoming instead of Colorado, many people left the territory and Denver itself was shrinking. Former Governor John Evans promoted a connecting railroad from Denver to Cheyenne, helping rescue Colorado Territory. Although the new railroad received no federal bond subsidy like the Union Pacific, Congress granted it generous land to encourage investment. Grading began in 1868, and the line was completed in June, 1870, with its tracks running through this point. Denver Pacific agents promoted settlement on the company's land grant, and Horace Greeley backed the idea of an agricultural colony in his New York Tribune. The Union Colony at Greeley, founded in 1870, grew from these efforts. In 1880, the Denver Pacific was absorbed by the Union Pacific.