The Academy is one of four military bases throughout Colorado Springs. To the southeast of the city is Schriever Air Force Base, to the east (next to the city airport) is Peterson AFB, and to the south is the Army's Fort Carson. Several Academy employees who live in Colorado Springs choose to take advantage of base exchange, commissary and recreational facilities at these other installations.

When Capt. Zebulon Pike sighted Pikes Peak in 1806, “Pikes Peak or Bust” became a rallying cry for miners headed west to seek their fortunes. A group of prospectors chose the Colorado Springs site as the center for mountain mining activity and this town became known as El Paso City.

Prior to the Civil War, the name was changed to Colorado City. The onset of the railroad was the impetus for organization of a town located near the popular mineral springs in 1871. The nearness of Colorado City and the mineral springs gave this new town its name: Colorado Springs. By 1917, Colorado City was completely absorbed by Colorado Springs.

Combining scenic beauty, pleasant residential areas, clean modern industry, attractive military installations, and cultural activities to satisfy every taste, Colorado Springs is an unusually well-rounded community. Colorado Springs offers a variety of recreational and cultural activity. You can ski in the morning, golf in the afternoon (several courses averaging 300-350 golfing days a year) and if you’re not too tired, take in a chuck wagon dinner, a graduate-level class or perhaps even attend the symphony. The city is situated on a gently rolling plateau 6,035 feet above sea level, sheltered by the towering 14,110 foot-high Pikes Peak. This locale assures cool, dry summers and comfortable, mild winters with the low humidity tempering the extremes of the respective seasons.

The average relative humidity is very similar to that of Tucson and Phoenix—just one of the reasons that Colorado Springs enjoys a comfortable year-round climate.

The city boasts a population of more than 400,000 and comprises an area of some 183 square miles. Colorado Springs proudly claims the highest education level of any area its size in the nation. Public, private and parochial schools alike enjoy a favorable student-toteacher ratio. The city boasts two major malls and 31 shopping centers. The city of Colorado Springs provides for and manages the sale of water, gas, electrical and sewer services. Twenty-seven bus routes provide travel throughout the city. For more information, call 385-9502 or visit www.springsgov.com, under "Transportation and Transit."