Welcome to Old Colorado City, a place where history and charm blend seamlessly within the vibrant landscape of Colorado Springs. Established in 1859 during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush, Old Colorado City is a testament to the adventurous spirit of America’s frontier past. Originally called El Dorado, it was founded by Melancthon Beach, Rufus Cable, Anthony Bott, and George Bute. The town was strategically located at the confluence of Fountain and Camp Creeks, serving as a vital supply hub for the gold mines.
In its early days, Old Colorado City thrived as the first settlement in the Pikes Peak region, even serving briefly as the capital of the Colorado Territory in 1861. However, the capital was soon moved to Golden, and later to Denver, leaving behind a legacy of early governance. Despite this transition, Old Colorado City continued to play a significant role in the mining industry, particularly as a processing center for gold ore from the Cripple Creek mines.
As the town evolved, it became known for its vibrant, albeit rowdy, social scene. With the founding of nearby Colorado Springs as a ‘dry’ town, Old Colorado City became infamous for its saloons, brothels, and opium dens. This colorful past is part of what makes the area so intriguing to visitors today. By 1917, the wild days of Old Colorado City came to an end when it was annexed by Colorado Springs, leading to a more regulated and refined community.
Notable figures who influenced the area include General William Jackson Palmer, who founded Colorado Springs and contributed to the development of the region. The cultural and economic impact of Old Colorado City is still evident in its historic district, which is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This area, filled with art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, invites visitors to explore its rich past and vibrant present.
Old Colorado City offers a unique window into the past, where stories of gold rushes, frontier life, and the quest for prosperity still resonate with those who walk its historic streets.
