Colorado Springs History

Colorado Springs is located in El Paso county at the base of the 14,110 feet high Pikes Peak, named for Zebulon Pike who discovered it during an expedition to the west in 1806.

Early settlers actually flocked to the area west of Colorado Springs in an area called Manitou Village, now Manitou Springs, named after the great Indian spirit, Manitou.

By the mid-1800's, Colorado City grew east of Manitou and became a gathering place for gold prospectors. Colorado City, now know as Old Colorado City, was a rowdy area in contrast to the quieter Colorado Springs.

After the Civil War, General William Palmer was instrumental in establishing Colorado Springs by linking it with Denver via his Denver-Rio Grande railroad. Palmer envisioned Colorado Springs as a resort town with its mountain splendor, sunshine, dry climate and mineral springs.The area grew as homesteaders settled the region. Towns sprouted up on the prairie and in the foothills including Monument, Palmer Lake along the train route to the north; Falcon, Peyton and Calhan to the east; and Fountain Valley to the south.

Another name as well known as General Palmer is Spencer Penrose. In 1915, Penrose built the road to the top of Pikes Peak. That was followed by construction of the 5-star rated Broadmoor Hotel, the zoo and Will Roger's Shrine to the Sun.

By World War II, the military began to play a role in the area. First came Camp Carson, now known as Fort Carson, to the south. The 50's were an active time as we added the North American Air Defense Command, now located in Cheyenne Mountain to the southwest; the Air Force Academy to the north; ENT Air Base, which is now Peterson Air Force Base, tote east; and finally Schriever Air Force Base (formerly Falcon Air Force Base), established in the 1980's and serves as a space operations center, also to the east.

Today, Colorado Springs offers a diversity of employment and lifestyles. Besides the military, our economy is supported by the high-tech market, tourism, and a myriad of small businesses, religious organizations, shopping and recreational activities.

Colorado Springs Facts and Figures

Description: Colorado's second-largest city

Elevation: 6,035 feet above sea level

Population: City: 345,630/Metro Area: 480,041

Founded: 1871, by General William Jackson Palmer

County: El Paso

Square Miles: 183

Climate: Moderate temperatures throughout the year. Colorado Springs is protected from harsh weather by two natural barriers: the Rocky Mountains to the west and Monument Divide to the north.

Average Yearly Precipitation: 16.24 inches ("Alpine Desert")

Average Yearly Humidity: 63% morning, 40% afternoon

Average Yearly Days of Sunshine: 250

Average Yearly Snowfall: 33 inches

Airport: 100 flights daily - America West, american, Continental, Delta, Mesa, Northwest, Reno Air, TWA, United

Major Highways: Interstate 25, U.S. 85/87 and 24, Colorado 83, 94, 115, 122

Hotel/Motel Rooms: 12,500

Hotel/Motel Single Room Rates: $30 to $300

Average Number of Visitors Per Year: 6 million

Area's Number-One Attraction:

Man-made: US Air Force Academy - 1.4 million visitors per year

Natural: Garden of the Gods - 1.7 million visitors per year

Average Per Family Cost to Visit: $150 daily

Pikes Peak Elevation: 14,110 feet above sea level

Average Yearly Gross Income From Visitors: $800 million

Tourism-Related Employment: 14,000 jobs

Shopping Centers: 34

Hospitals: 5 (with approximately 1, 040 beds)

Golf Courses: 7 18-hole and 5 9-hole (public); 2 private; 3 military courses

Parks: 156 City and County Parks (10,762 acres)

Major Area Attractions: 50

Median Household Income: $39,086

Universities/Colleges: 12/8

Graduate Schools: 4

Major Industries: Tourism, Military, Space Technology, Computers & Electronics, Printing & Publishing, Manufacturing

Major Newspapers: The Gazette, The Colorado Springs Independent