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Old Colorado City has a rich history

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Contributed by: Old Colorado City Association on 1/9/2007

Established in 1859, and designated the first capital of the Colorado Territory 1861, Old Colorado City is the oldest established city in the Pikes Peak Region and now a treasured National Historic District.

It was annexed to Colorado Springs in 1917 and restored as Colorado Springs' only historic district in 1977.

Early settlers included farmers, ranchers, freighters and outfitters for the people who rushed to the gold mines, west in the mountains. The town became famous for its many saloons and brothels located on the south side of Colorado Avenue which were visited by many of the upstanding gentlemen from the north side of the street through various tunnels under the street. The hardworking "respectable" residents were more proud of their schools, Carnegie Public Library and churches however.

Restoration efforts have resulted in a physical and cultural recovery of the area. One-hundred year old brick buildings, quaint horse alleyways, and territorial charm provide the setting for unique specialty shops, boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.

Gold rush, oil boom, destructive fires, wars with Native American Indians, high society balls, parlor houses, saloons... These are a few of the nostalgic points of interest that make up the history of Old Colorado City... Colorado Springs' oldest historic district.

Today, people can stroll the brick sidewalks, under shady trees along the avenue with 100 year old buildings providing the perfect backdrop for an exciting mix of unique cafes, restaurants, galleries, boutiques and specialty shops. Old Colorado City is truly a remarkable, shopping and dining experience just minutes from Garden of the Gods, the Broadmoor Hotel and downtown Colorado Springs. We offer the finest restaurants, art galleries, boutiques and specialty shops that Colorado Springs, Colorado has to offer.

Pick up our walking map at various locations around Colorado Springs, or from the stores in Old Colorado City.

Special events sprinkle the annual calendar in Old Colorado City. Events include the annual St. Patrick's Day parade, Territory Days, Gallery Walk, Farmers Market, concerts throughout the summer, Scarecrow Days in September, and a It's Christmas in Old Colorado City with beautiful decorations during the holiday season.

Whether you plan to browse the shops and galleries, enjoy fine dining, visit the history center or attend a seasonal event, a trip to Old Colorado City will be a richly rewarding experience. Make a day of it, or a romantic getaway, or make Old Colorado City your home base for roaming all the remarkable sites and scenery of the Pikes Peak Region.

Learn more about the history of this 150-year-old town by visiting the History Center located at 1 South 24th Street, across the street from the coach parking. Old Colorado City History Center contains a remarkable collection of artifacts, photographs, and a written, oral, and electronic history of the area. It is a model research center, active in covering the past and aggressive in making it available to the general public.

Hours: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tuesday through Saturday
(Closed Sunday & Monday)

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