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.