History of Colorado Springs

Unlike most Colorado towns, Colorado Springs was not born as a result of mining prospects or cattle ranching. It was the nearby mineral springs and healthy climate that first lured people to this area at the foot of Pikes Peak. The town was deliberately built as a resort community, in contrast to the rugged mining towns that were popping up all over the state. Of course, gold was eventually discovered in the hills near Colorado Springs, but that only increased the wealth and fame of this pleasant mountain town.  

The healthy state of Colorado

By the late 1800s, the state of Colorado had developed a reputation as a healthy place to live, thanks to its clean air and beautiful scenery. In 1871, General William Palmer was scouting land for his new Denver and Rio Grande Railroad when he came across the area at the foot of Pikes Peak, a lovely 14,110 foot mountain. The stunning scenery, high mountains and nearby mineral springs convinced him that this was the perfect place to build a resort town for affluent easterners. In that same year, he founded Colorado Springs at the foot of Pikes Peak and his railroad line soon followed.

A resort town

The new city of Colorado Springs flourished as a western retreat for wealthy travellers from the east coast of America. The wildly authentic yet relatively safe frontier environment coupled with well-apportioned hotels and lodges attracted many of the country’s high society names. The British, too, discovered the enchanting environment in such numbers that the town earned the nickname ‘Little London’. The railroad made it easy to get here, and the unusually comfortable facilities kept the tourists happy. 

Gold strike

The tranquil early years of Colorado Springs were shattered when gold was found in the neighbouring town of Cripple Creek, in 1891. Seemingly overnight, the town’s population tripled, bringing an influx of prospectors seeking their fortune. The newfound wealth boosted Colorado Spring’s prominence even more, but it also brought with it many of the troubles associated with rowdy gold miners. Many of those who struck it rich remained in the town and built lavish homes. These heady days lasted for 25 years, until the federal government decided to use silver instead of gold for their currency. Gold-mining suddenly lost much of its value.

A return to tourism

With the wane of the gold rush, Colorado Springs returned to its tourism roots. In the early 1900s, visitors from all over the world came to see the famous Pikes Peak and its posh mountain resort. With the advent of WWI and WWII, the town assumed a new role as a centre for the military and defence industry, as Fort Carson Army Base and Peterson Air Force Base were established. Even after the wars, the military community continued to grow with the opening of the nation’s Air Force Academy. Today, Colorado Springs is an interesting mix of a gold mining town, posh western resort and a major military centre.