From the moment the Denver and Rio Grande decided to establish its own town along the Animas River, Dr. William A. Bell led the way. A wealthy physician from England, Bell was fascinated with railroads and the American West. This fascination led to a friendship with General William Palmer, and Bell became one of the key investors in the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. As time passed, Bell proved to be an important fundraiser for the Denver and Rio Grande and specialized in town site exploration for the company.
It was Bell who identified the site for the new town of Durango. He also was instrumental in the formation of the Durango Trust, becoming an official in July 1880. Bell was not only responsible for acquiring the site for the new town; he also oversaw the platting and design.
In 1883 Bell resigned from the Railroad's board of trustees but remained active in the Durango Trust. It was Bell who suggested converting the trust into a company. Thus, on September 1, 1884, the Durango Land and Coal Company purchased all of the trust's property and Bell stayed on to manage the company's affairs.
Bell was clearly pleased with the success of the company and its new town of Durango. In the trust's final report Bell wrote, "Leadville excepted, no town in Colorado has had such a 'boom' as Durango, during the first year of its existence. After this the demand for lots gradually lessened until it practically, for the time being, has come to an end."
Bell continued his involvement in the Durango Land and Coal Company and in August 1890 he became vice-president of John Porter's new Porter Fuel Company. By 1908 the Durango Land and Coal Company had paid $400,000 in dividends to its investors. Bell continued to hold office in the company the entire time.