US Air Force Academy

US Air Force Academy Municipal Water Report Info

Colorado Springs has a distinctive history compared to other western settlements. Founded in 1871 by General William Jackson Palmer, the town began as a retreat area nicknamed "Little London" due to its popularity with English visitors. General Palmer envisioned a sophisticated community that would please his cultured wife, Queen.

Two years after establishing the town, General Palmer opened the Antler's Hotel, a significant landmark in Colorado Springs history. This hotel welcomed both domestic and international guests seeking the health benefits of abundant sunshine and dry climate. Shortly after opening the hotel, Palmer established the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad. He further contributed to Colorado Springs by donating or selling land for important civic institutions.

By the late 1800s, Colorado Springs had evolved into one of America's most visited destinations. Today, as Colorado's second-largest city, it has developed into a sophisticated locale while maintaining its charming community atmosphere. Many significant buildings and landmarks bear General Palmer's name, including Palmer High School, nearby Palmer Lake, Palmer Park, and the Palmer Divide just north of Colorado Springs.

Even before General Palmer conceived and built Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak served as a beacon attracting diverse cultures. These cultures left permanent marks on the region. The Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho were among the many Native American nations that lived in or traveled through the area. The Ute would camp in the region's red rock canyons and drink from the mineral springs in Manitou Springs. They called Pikes Peak "Ta-Wa-Ah-Gath," meaning "Sun Mountain," for how its slopes reflect sunlight.

Mining played a crucial role in the Pikes Peak region's development. As early as the 1700s, Spanish explorers prospected for precious metals. Throughout the early 19th century, explorers reported finding gold in local streams and rivers. Public interest grew during difficult economic times in the late 1850s. The 1858 gold discovery near present-day downtown Denver sparked the Pikes Peak Gold Rush.

In 1859, Colorado City was established as a supply town, selling food, tools, and equipment to miners heading over Ute Pass to the South Park mines. In 1890, the gold rush reached the Pikes Peak region when Bob Womack, a cattle rancher and part-time prospector, discovered gold on the Peak's western slope. The Cripple Creek-Victor Mining District soon became Colorado's greatest gold camp, attracting thousands to the region. To this day, gold mining continues in Cripple Creek.