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Two miles west of Colorado Springs there lies a level plain
extending on both sides of Fountain Creek and rising in
terraces to the north and south. This is the site of
Colorado City, the manufacturing center of El Paso County.
This is one of the oldest towns in the state, and has a
most interesting history. It was incorporated in
the fall of 1858, during the Pike's Peak gold excitement,
and was made the capital of the territory in 1861 by
the first territorial legislature. Ex-Governor Gilpin
was Governor at the second session, which met in June 1862.
Shortly after Governor Evans was appointed by the president,
he adjourned the legislature to Golden, and afterwards to
Denver, the latter of which, by virtue of its advantages
and controlling influences, became the capital. El Paso
was the first recognized as a county by Governor Gilpin.
In the contest for location of the county seat, Colorado
Springs gained the day in 1873.
After the removal of the
capital and county seat, the town soon lost its prestige,
and was only peopled by class who could not get away, or
who had made homes here and did not wish to leave them.
In 1886, in consequence of the building of the Midland
Railway, Colorado City awoke from its slumber, and
rapidly increased in population and importance. The
population in 1886 was about 100, the directory of
that year containing 47 names; in 1887 it was 400;
in 1888 1,500, and at the present time not less than
2,100.
Colorado City is connected with Colorado Springs and
Manitou by two lines of railway and an electric street
car line. It has an abundant water supply for domestic
and irrigating purposes, telephone exchange, electric
lights, three newspapers, and a good graded school system.
There are five churches and thirteen benevolent lodges and societies.
The machine shops and round house of the Colorado Midland Railway,
located at this place, furnish steady support to a large number
of workmen and their families. Other prominent industries of the
place are the Colorado Stucco, Brick and Cement works, the Ute Pass
Mineral Paint works, the Colorado City Glass Works, a brewery, bottling
works, machine shops, and many of minor importance. Within a short
distance are the famous Kenmuir Quarries of red and white sandstone,
which are extensively worked, and inexhaustible beds of limestone.
The expectations for the near future include a smelter, zinc reduction
works and the State Soldiers' Home. The position of the city gives it
unsurpassed advantages as a manufacturing center. It has ample railway
connections, central location, abundant water supply, plenty of cheap
land for factories and homes. The county taxes are very low, and
the high license system provides for all expenses of the city government.
The present inhabitants are wide awake, liberal, moral and intelligent,
and ready to welcome any who come to aid in building up their city.
Source: "1890 City
Directory of Colorado City" |
