History & Heritage

Explore the past up-close in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region.

The Pikes Peak Region is home to a trove of rich history you can experience through dozens of museums, attractions, events and more. From the Ute People who originally called this place home to cowboys, gold miners and Olympic & Paralympic greats, you'll find stories as colorful as our landscape.

First Inhabitants & Early Settlers
Founding & Development
Gold Rush and the Wild West
Major Industries (Military, Space and Aviation)
Olympic City USA

Natural History, First Inhabitants & Early Settlers

The Pikes Peak Region has been home to incredible scenery for thousands of years. If you're curious about how these stunning landmarks and natural features came to be, you're in luck! Dive into fascinating natural history at one of our nature and resource centers. The first admirers of this region's gorgeous landscapes were the Ute, Cheyenne, Arapaho and the other tribes who lived at the base of Tava (Sun Mountain), now commonly known as Pikes Peak. These people and cultures left a permanent mark upon the region and their history lives on around us. Being such a beautiful place to live, it's also no wonder early settlers were drawn to this area.

Learn all about the region's intriguing natural history, the area's first inhabitants and the early settlers of the area at the spots below!

Founding & Development of COS

General William Jackson Palmer, a Civil War hero from Pennsylvania, came to the region in search of possible railroad routes in 1869. One year later, he founded the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad and purchased land to create what is now Colorado Springs along its route.

In 1871, Colorado Springs officially became a city. The Palmers – both General Palmer and his wife, Queen – played an instrumental role in developing both the Springs and surrounding communities. Many staples of the community today, including North Cheyenne Cañon Park, the Colorado Springs Gazette and the Antlers Hotel, were built and orchestrated by the couple. Glen Eyrie Castle, founded in 1871, was built as a home for the Palmers and can still be visited today.

From its founding, Colorado Springs was a premiere destination for those seeking treatment from tuberculosis. The dry, fresh mountain air offered many respite from the disease and once cured many remained in the region with their families and businesses. At one point, a third of Colorado’s population had ties to TB. Sanatoriums and tuberculosis huts popped up around the Pikes Peak Region, and visitors can spot these huts repurposed at Rock Ledge Ranch or on the main street of Manitou Springs.Another

Gold Rush and the Wild West

In the 1890s, gold was discovered on the western slope of Pikes Peak, one of the richest gold strikes in American history. Almost overnight, the Cripple Creek Mining District grew from an isolated cattle pasture to the home of more than 50,000 people. People passed through Colorado Springs on their way up the pass, and many designated the city as their “homebase” for both their families and businesses.

You can learn about the Gold Rush days at the Victor Lowell Thomas Museum and the Cripple Creek Heritage Center. To this day, gold is still being mined in Cripple Creek and the influence of our mining heritage can be seen all over the region.

Mining also brought the Wild West spirit to the region! The Pikes Peak Region is rich with Western heritage and culture. The Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo has been a staple in the Colorado Springs community since it was started by Spencer Penrose in 1937. Both then and now, the rodeo showcases top talent from around the country and draws visitors from around Colorado and beyond. You can learn more about all things rodeo at the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame!

Major Industries (Military, Space and Aviation)

In the 1940s, the U.S. Army opened Camp Carson, marking the beginning of what is now a strong military presence in this region. In 1954, the Air Force broke ground for the United States Air Force Academy to continue this military tradition. Today’s Colorado Springs history is capped with a military flair. Colorado Springs is home to major military installations including Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base, the U.S. Space Command, NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command), Schriever Air Force Base and the United States Air Force Academy.

As home to the Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs quickly became a hub for all things aviation and space. From museums to restaurants, you can still experience this innovative industry in a myriad of ways today.

The Space Foundation was formed in 1983 in Colorado Springs to unite the global space community and advance growth and progress in the industry. The Foundation works in Colorado Springs and beyond to improve collaboration and education in the industry. They hold the annual Space Symposium right here in Colorado Springs, an event that brings together space professionals from around the globe each year. The Space Foundation also operates the Space Foundation Discovery Center, an interactive attraction for those of all ages. The Discovery Center offers hands-on exhibits and learning labs to inspire the next generation of space enthusiasts.

Olympic City USA

Colorado Springs was coined Olympic City USA for a reason. The city is home to approximately 60 national and international sports organizations including 25 National Governing Bodies, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center. You can even test your abilities like a professional athlete on natural training grounds like the Manitou Incline! The city is steeped in sportsmanship and the spirit of competition, making it the perfect location for major sporting events like the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. We're also home to world-class sports venues where you can catch thrilling hockey matches, soccer championships and more!

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