Colorado Springs Colorado History

Colorado Springs History

Colorado Springs History

It was in 1870 that Civil War hero and retired Army General William Jackson Palmer caught his first glimpse of what is now Colorado Springs. Enchanted by the beauty of the region, as so many others have been, he wrote, in a letter to his wife, Queen, "Could one live in constant view of these grand mountains without being elevated by them into a lofty plane of thought and purpose?"

Soon, Palmer began envisioning the resort community he would build. "My theory for this place," he said, "is that it should be made the most attractive place for homes in the West...a place for schools, colleges, literature, science, first-class newspapers, and everything that the above imply."

In 1871, Palmer began laying out the city of his dreams. The wide streets and many parks found throughout Colorado Springs are part of his legacy to future generations. A thriving arts community, numerous institutions of higher learning, and the many churches and religious organizations also represent the fulfillment of Palmer's dream.

From its beginnings at the corner of Pikes Peak and Cascade Avenues, the city includes 188 square miles with more than 300,000 residents, and is the center of a thriving metropolitan area of 430,000 people.

In 1893, an Eastern school teacher making her first visit to the young city was captivated by the area's grandeur. Following a trip to the top of Pikes Peak in 1893, teacher and poet Katharine Lee Bates wrote what would become her most famous work. Later set to music, America the Beautiful has become perhaps the nation's most beloved patriotic anthem.

The Garden of the Gods, with Pikes Peak in the distance, is located in Colorado Springs.

In the years that followed the founding of the community, thousands of others have been inspired by the beauty of the region. From that inspiration have grown traditions of excellence and diversity. Responding to Katharine Lee Bates' poetic plea for a spirit of brotherhood, Colorado Springs today is a city of rich and growing diversity, with a tradition of welcoming people of varied ethnic origins, religious beliefs, lifestyles, and points of view.

Colorado Springs' excellent livability, sound physical infrastructure, good educational systems, and year-round recreational opportunities top most lists of superlatives used in describing the community. The city's diverse economic base, and pro-business attitude, have contributed to Colorado Springs' reputation as one of America's hot spots for continued economic growth into the next century.

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Colorado Real Estate Service Areas

Colorado Springs, CO, Monument, CO, Fountain, CO, Peyton, Colorado
Falcon, CO, Fort Carson, CO, US Air Force Academy, Peterson Air Force Base, Woodland Park, Divide, CO

 

Shawn Jardine &  Kathy Jardine 
888 Garden of the Gods, Suite 100
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80907
Office:  719-264-7777 
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