Surrounding Communities
Updated On: 3/5/2012 2:25:54 PM
Colorado History
What is now called Colorado was originally part of New Spain.
The Spanish heritage lingers on in the names of cities and places,
particularly in southern Colorado. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains
(Blood of Christ Mountains) and Trinidad, named for the Trinity, are
examples. Colorado is the Spanish word for "red." The name is taken
from the red-colored Colorado river. The Spanish heard from the
Native Americans there was gold in the mountains, but did not search
for it. As the Spanish claim became weaker, the parts of the area were
ceded to France. The French heritage can be traced through names
remaining on Colorado maps, such as Lafayette, LaSalle, Cache La
Poudre and Louviers, mainly in the northern part of the state.
After the United States purchased the Louisiana Territory from the
French in 1803, Lt. Zebulon Pike was sent to explore the new piece
of real estate for his country. While in the area, Pike tried and failed to
climb the mountain named after him. He reported that no one would
ever climb that mountain and that there was a good possibility of gold
in the area.
In 1858, settlers from the east were drawn to the area in search
of gold. In 1859, the El Paso Claims Club was formed to establish
law and order in the territory. The club also laid out Colorado City
and started selling building sites. Colorado City residents made their
living off the miners and small settlements in the mountains, selling
provisions and entertainment.
On Aug. 1, 1876, President Ulysses S. Grant signed a proclamation
admitting Colorado in the Union as the 38th state.
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is the second largest city in Colorado and
one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Founded in 1871 by
Gen. William Jackson Palmer, the city was planned to attract people
of means and social standing with "good moral character and strict
temperance habits." Since the wide-open town of Colorado City
was right next door with its saloons and "working ladies," the general
did not have quite the impact on the Pikes Peak area he would
have liked.
The region prospered when gold was discovered in nearby
Cripple Creek in 1891. The Springs became a depository and a
favorite residence of those with newfound wealth.
Following the decline of the Cripple Creek gold fortunes around
1909, the Colorado Springs economy declined. Civic-minded leaders
were determined that tourism would be the city's new gold mine.
Lead by Spencer Penrose, who built the beautiful Broadmoor Hotel
and graded a road to the top of Pikes Peak, the city rapidly capitalized
on its beauty. Colorado Springs quickly became a resort town.
As tourism declined due to the depression and the beginning
of World War II, city leaders again looked for a means to save their
beautiful city. This time it was decided a military camp was the
answer. Congress approved the establishment of a camp in 1942
and almost overnight, Colorado Springs had more Soldiers than
residents.
That was the end of the city as a sleepy little tourist town and the
beginning of the city that has been referred to as the "military hub of
the nation." Since Camp Carson was built in 1942, Colorado Springs
has become home to Peterson Air Force Base, the United States Air
Force Academy, the North American Aerospace Defense Command
in Cheyenne Mountain, Shriever Air Force Base and the Department
of Homeland Security. In return, these commands have attracted the
country's high-tech industries to the Springs. Colorado Springs area
current population is more than 400,000.
Manitou Springs
Before the coming of miners, gamblers, spectators and the like,
the area of beautiful rocks, canyons and natural springs located at
the base of Pikes Peak was sacred to many Native American tribes.
They believed the water had supernatural powers.
Settlers believed the springs had a great power, too, and
proceeded to develop the area into a successful health spa,
including tuberculosis clinics. Manitou Springs, in the late 19th
century, was a leading national spa with the tourist trade as its
main source of income.
Named a historical district in the 1980s, the city's Victorian
architecture and rustic charm continues to attract visitors from
around the country.
Cripple Creek & Victor
People always knew there was gold in the mountains. That's
why so many spent so much time looking for it. But it wasn't until
1890, when a prospector named Bob Womack made the first big
strike in Poverty Gulch that the real gold rush was on. Overnight, 12
towns sprang into existence and Cripple Creek grew from nothing
to a population well over 60,000. Everyone wanted gold and was
determined to strike it rich.
It's hard to imagine that mad and crazy scramble now. Cripple
Creek and Victor are the only two towns left. As for the mines, the
Molly Kathleen and the El Paso are the only two working mines, and
both are still looking for the mother lode. The rest of the mines have
disappeared like the towns, although some are still open for tours.
Cripple Creek residents have decided there's gold in "them there
tourists and gamblers." Much of the town has been restored and
turned into low-stakes gambling casinos. Both visitors and residents
have a lot of fun reflecting on the gold rush days.
Victor, the other surviving settlement, is a sleepy, little
town near Cripple Creek. On a quiet afternoon, it is easy to
see ghosts of dance hall girls and miners, drifters
and storekeepers, all after elusive wealth.
The Cripple Creek and Victor area is still an
active mining district. Investors from all over the
world have become interested in the renewed
exploration and mining activity. Any day now
someone could strike it rich and the rush
will be on again. After all, there's still gold
in those mountains.
Fountain
Founded in 1859 and incorporated in
1903, Fountain is the oldest community in
the Pikes Peak area. A supply center and
refuge for the early settlers, little remains
of the original town. Located east of
Fort Carson, Fountain is a popular choice
of residence for people assigned to and
working at The Mountain Post.
Widefield and Security are two unincorporated
communities between Fountain and Colorado
Springs. The small town atmosphere and close
location make these popular areas to live in.
Pueblo
The city of Pueblo, located 40 miles south of Colorado Springs,
takes its name from a fortification built there by fur traders in 1840.
The fort was called "El Pueblo."
Today, Pueblo is a highly diversified metropolitan area with more
than 152,000 people. Pueblo offers a variety of cultural events such
as performances by the Pueblo Civic Symphony and the Broadway
Theatre League, along with concerts at City Park and the University
of Southern Colorado.
For more than 100 years, Pueblo has been the home of the
Colorado State Fair. The event attracts more than a 1 million visitors
each year. An array of the nation's top entertainers is on hand at
each fair. Horse racing, rodeo performances, all-American
horse show and numerous exhibits
delight both young and old.
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