Denver Rio Grande
Vacationing: How Colorado Springs Began
Today, Colorado Springs is a popular tourist location visited by thousands each year. However, this sport was not always such an attraction. It was once a vast wilderness that was home to Native Americans who called the stupendous mountain view "Sun Mountain Sitting Big." These early inhabitants were the first people to discover and experience the pleasures of Colorado's bubbling springs. They also cherished the region's majestic caves, many of which are open to the public today.
While Colorado Springs is now an American icon, it did not join the United States until 1803. At that time, the springs region was part of the famed Louisiana Purchase, in which the U.S. more than doubled its land size. Three years later, explorer Zebulon Montgomery Pike trekked through Colorado Springs and discovered the grand peak that now bears his name. Although he and his party hiked part of the mountain, they were unprepared to reach the peak. However, their reports soon attracted trappers and traders to the area.
Colorado Springs gained a big burst of publicity in 1859 when gold was discovered west of the region. More than 100,000 people moved into the area hoping to become rich. This led to the foundation of Colorado City. Ten years later, Colorado Springs itself was founded by former Civil War general William Jackson Palmer. Palmer was so struck by the region's beauty that he believed it could truly become the tourist center of the West. To help get people to the area, Palmer also founded the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad. He also moved his family to the area and built the Glen Eyrie Castle, which still stands today.
At first, Colorado Springs was mostly visited by English travelers. Soon, though, a more diverse crowd headed to the peaks. In fact, many people suffering from TB and other chronic diseases believed Colorado Springs could help heal them. The area's mild climate and clean, dry air could alleviate symptoms. They also saw the pure spring water as a healing antidote.
The region remained primarily a tourist spot until the 1940s. At that time, the U.S. military came in to share the space. Over the next several decades, they established the army facility Camp Carson, the United States Air Force Academy, Peterson Air Force Base, and several other notable military facilities. This has brought even more developmental resources to the area and helped the population grow considerably.
Today, Colorado Springs boasts attractions that highlight its long and interesting history. At Cripple Creek, for example, visitors are reminded of the gold mining that helped bring life to the region. A trip to historic Old Colorado City also reminds guests of the area's 19th century life. Want to go even further back into history? Visitors can also appreciate the natural wonder that first brought Native Americans to the area by visiting the Garden of the Gods Park, which spans more than 1,300 acres.
Ultimately, behind all the modern spas and resorts, Colorado Springs is truly a historical region. Over the last several centuries, various populations have come and gone. Each has left their mark on the area and helped transform Colorado Springs into the exclusive environment it is today.
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Durango, Colorado- the Influence of the Railroad, Then and Now
Durango, Colorado is known by many for its train, and for good reason. The unparalleled scenic beauty that unfolds as the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad winds through the San Juan Mountains attracts visitors from all over the world. But few of those passengers probably know the influence the train has had on Durango. In fact, if it wasn't for the railroad, Durango may have never been founded.
It all started in 1880, when the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad (D&RG) needed a southern hub to service Silverton and other towns and mines in the San Juan Mining District. Animas City was the first choice, but when they were unwilling to meet the terms of the D&RG, the railroad simply went two miles south and created its own town- Durango. The railroad and ore smelters were constructed, and the town sprung up around the new industry. Many entrepreneurs came to Durango, opening hotels, restaurants, and a variety of shops selling goods and services. The decision made by Animas City to reject the railroad proved fatal. They lost businesses and residents to the new town of Durango, and Animas City is now just a part of north Durango.
As the mining operations in the San Juan Mountains dried up, many of the cities along the line became ghost towns, with only Silverton surviving today. Fortunately, even from its beginning, passengers realized the unsurpassed beauty of the country the train winds through. In 1961, the train was designated as a National Historic Landmark. And today it's passengers, not ore, that the train carries between Durango and Silverton.
Over 125 years after it founded the city, the train is still a major impact on the economy of Durango, providing a huge tourist draw. No trip to Durango is complete without experiencing the train, and over 165,000 passengers per year would seem to agree.
For more information on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, please visit their official website.
About the Author
Mary Middlebrook is an area resident who operates a website with information about Durango, Colorado , including yellow pages , and free local classifieds.