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History of Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
Journey back in time to Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
Explore Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Colorado Springs Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!
Colorado Springs, El Paso, CO
At an elevation of 6,035 feet, Colorado Springs has two-thirds of the oxygen found at sea level and the summit of 14,115-foot Pikes Peak has only half.
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Colorado Springs Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
Postcard
![Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3a%2f%2fgreenerpasture.com%2fPlaces%2fDetails%2f1491&media=https%3a%2f%2fgreenerpasture.com%2fContent%2fancestorimages%2fcolorado_springs_co_3.jpg&description=Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA - Alexander Aircraft Plant
"The Alexander Aircraft Company was an aircraft manufacturer in Colorado in 1925.
The company began life as the Alexander Film Company that specialized in film advertising, and the younger J. Don Alexander decided that his salesmen could sell more film advertising if they had airplanes. He wrote to plane manufacturers around the country asking for a price on a lot of 50 planes. But the builders, who were happy to get an order for one craft in those days, thought his letter was the work of a crackpot. It went into the wastebasket. This angered Alexander. He decided to build his own planes. He moved his operation to Englewood, Colorado and set up the aircraft company. He sent Justin McInaney to Marshall, Missouri (then a center of aviation manufacturing) to buy a plane and learn to fly. Justin's instructor was the great Ben O. Howard, who later became famous as a plane racer and test pilot. Justin soloed after only ten hours of instruction. He bought a Swallow airplane for $2,300 and proceeded to fly back to Denver. That trip involved so many forced landings and other aerial adventures that he ended it almost an overnight veteran. Justin began teaching other men to fly, among them Vern Simmons; O.R. Ted Haueter (past vice president of Continental Airlines); Ray Shrader (past vice president of Braniff Airlines); Red Mosier (past vice president of American Airlines); Jack Frye (past president of TWA); plane designer Al Mooney. As the national sales manager, Justin helped build the firm to the top producer in the United States (eight planes a day, just before the depression). Originally headquartered in Englewood, the film-turned-aircraft company was forced to move to Colorado Springs in order to expand..." wikipedia){kind=small}
Alexander Aircraft Plant
"The Alexander Aircraft Company was an aircraft manufacturer in Colorado in 1925.
The company began life as the Alexander Film Company that specialized in film advertising, and the younger J. Don Alexander decided that his salesmen could sell more film advertising if they had airplanes. He wrote to plane manufacturers around the country asking for a price on a lot of 50 planes. But the builders, who were happy to get an order for one craft in those days, thought his letter was the work of a crackpot. It went into the wastebasket. This angered Alexander. He decided to build his own planes. He moved his operation to Englewood, Colorado and set up the aircraft company. He sent Justin McInaney to Marshall, Missouri (then a center of aviation manufacturing) to buy a plane and learn to fly. Justin's instructor was the great Ben O. Howard, who later became famous as a plane racer and test pilot. Justin soloed after only ten hours of instruction. He bought a... Read MORE...
Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
Postcard
United States Post Office and Federal Court House
Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
Postcard
![Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3a%2f%2fgreenerpasture.com%2fPlaces%2fDetails%2f1491&media=https%3a%2f%2fgreenerpasture.com%2fContent%2fancestorimages%2fcolorado_springs_co_2.jpg&description=Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA - Acacia Hotel - Showing Platte Avenue with Pike's Peak in Distance
"The Acacia Park Hotel opened on July 7, 1907 to cater to tourists and business travelers visiting the Pike Peak region. When a fourth story was added in 1910, the 150-room building was called "one of few stylish hotels" in Colorado Springs. The upscale Acacia, with its roughly H-shaped design on the upper stories, boasted "all outside rooms", as well as electric lights, steam heat, telephones, music in the evenings, a café, ballroom, beautiful furnishings, and sample rooms for travelling salesmen..." www.springsgov.com){kind=small}
Acacia Hotel - Showing Platte Avenue with Pike's Peak in Distance
"The Acacia Park Hotel opened on July 7, 1907 to cater to tourists and business travelers visiting the Pike Peak region. When a fourth story was added in 1910, the 150-room building was called "one of few stylish hotels" in Colorado Springs. The upscale Acacia, with its roughly H-shaped design on the upper stories, boasted "all outside rooms", as well as electric lights, steam heat, telephones, music in the evenings, a café, ballroom, beautiful furnishings, and sample rooms for travelling salesmen..." www.springsgov.com
Discover Colorado Springs: History, News, Travel, and Stories
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1885 - Helen Hunt Jackson, the novelist, has two homes in Colorado, one in the town of Colorado Springs, and the other in Cheyenne Mountain, 6,000 feet above the sea level.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
July 4, 1885
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
July 4, 1885
June 19, 1886 - Colorado Springs is incorporated
1895 - Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, a beautiful city, the capital of El Paso co, Colorado, at the intersection of several railroad lines, 75 miles S. of Denver, and near the foot of Pike" Peak. It has an elevation of 6000 feet. It is a fashionable summer resort, and is surrounded by beautiful scene: The climate is serene, mild, and healthy. The city contains 2 national banks, 1 other bank, several hotels, 14 church" the Colorado College, 2 daily and several weekly newspaper offices, public school buildings which cost $235,000, two fine sanitariums, a Catholic hospital, and a state school for deaf-mutes. Here also is the Childs-Drexel Printers' Home. Pop. in 1890, 11,140.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
Colorado Springs, a beautiful city, the capital of El Paso co, Colorado, at the intersection of several railroad lines, 75 miles S. of Denver, and near the foot of Pike" Peak. It has an elevation of 6000 feet. It is a fashionable summer resort, and is surrounded by beautiful scene: The climate is serene, mild, and healthy. The city contains 2 national banks, 1 other bank, several hotels, 14 church" the Colorado College, 2 daily and several weekly newspaper offices, public school buildings which cost $235,000, two fine sanitariums, a Catholic hospital, and a state school for deaf-mutes. Here also is the Childs-Drexel Printers' Home. Pop. in 1890, 11,140.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1901 - Boy Drowned at Colorado Springs.
Colorado Springs, Colo., June 7. - Leonard Greely of Denver, aged 15, was drowned at Broadmor Casino lake this afternoon, while swimming with five other boys. He got into water over his depth and became exhausted. Efforts of associates to save him were unavailing.
The Durango Democrat
Durango, Colorado
June 8, 1901
Colorado Springs, Colo., June 7. - Leonard Greely of Denver, aged 15, was drowned at Broadmor Casino lake this afternoon, while swimming with five other boys. He got into water over his depth and became exhausted. Efforts of associates to save him were unavailing.
The Durango Democrat
Durango, Colorado
June 8, 1901
1902 - FIRE BURNED OUT AN AGED COUPLE.
Shortly after 1 o'clock this morning a fire alarm from box 48 called the department to 230 West Vermijo street where a fire was destroying the personal effects of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Martin, an aged couple.
The place in which they were living was a small building covered with corrugated iron. The fire was entirely on the inside and the building was gutted. A man who was passing discovered the fire and with difficult awakened the occupants. Mrs. Martin is deaf and dumb and Mr. Martin was sleeping soundly. All the personal effects of the aged couple were destroyed. There was a small amount of insurance on the building and contents.
Colorado Springs Gazette
Colorado Springs, Colorado
August 5, 1902
Shortly after 1 o'clock this morning a fire alarm from box 48 called the department to 230 West Vermijo street where a fire was destroying the personal effects of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Martin, an aged couple.
The place in which they were living was a small building covered with corrugated iron. The fire was entirely on the inside and the building was gutted. A man who was passing discovered the fire and with difficult awakened the occupants. Mrs. Martin is deaf and dumb and Mr. Martin was sleeping soundly. All the personal effects of the aged couple were destroyed. There was a small amount of insurance on the building and contents.
Colorado Springs Gazette
Colorado Springs, Colorado
August 5, 1902
1902 - MRS. TAYLOR BRUISED IN CAR COLLISION
Another collision between a street car and a Santa Fe train occurred at the Pike's Peak avenue crossing last night shortly before 9 o'clock.
A Knob hill car, coming from the hill, ran into a freight engine which was passing over the crossing. The front end of the car was smashed in and a lady named Mrs. Taylor, the only passenger was thrown across the car, and sustained a bad shaking up and some bruises. She lives on East Cimarron street and was attended by Dr. Estill later in the evening. The doctor stated that there were no serious injuries.
It took about an hour to get the wrecked car to the barn. The whole front end was smashed in. The cause of the accident could not be learned.
Colorado Springs Gazette
Colorado Springs, Colorado
August 5, 1902
Another collision between a street car and a Santa Fe train occurred at the Pike's Peak avenue crossing last night shortly before 9 o'clock.
A Knob hill car, coming from the hill, ran into a freight engine which was passing over the crossing. The front end of the car was smashed in and a lady named Mrs. Taylor, the only passenger was thrown across the car, and sustained a bad shaking up and some bruises. She lives on East Cimarron street and was attended by Dr. Estill later in the evening. The doctor stated that there were no serious injuries.
It took about an hour to get the wrecked car to the barn. The whole front end was smashed in. The cause of the accident could not be learned.
Colorado Springs Gazette
Colorado Springs, Colorado
August 5, 1902
1909 - Several Injured In Street Car Panic. Fuse Blows Out, Causing A Wild Scramble.
Miss Gustason of Denver and O. A. Aubrey of Manitou Attended by Physicians.
Miss Alva Gustason of Denver, O. A. Aubrey of Manitou and other passengers of a Manitou Street car were injured late yesterday afternoon during a stampede of the occupants who were panic stricken as the result of the blowing out of a fuse, which enveloped the front of the car in flames. The air brakes refused to work as the car approached the corner of Seventeenth Street and Colorado Avenue, and the heavy coach became unmanageable for a few minutes.
The passengers, who displayed considerable nervousness before the fuse blew out were terror stricken when the sheet of flame burst out at the front end, and made a wild scramble to get out. Miss Gustason sustained a sprained ankle and shoulder, and was otherwise bruised. Aubrey and Miss Gustason were attended by Dr. H. A. Peters.
The car, No. 69, was in charge of Conductor [illegible] Shafer and Motorman David F. McGarry. The damage was soon... Read MORE...
Miss Gustason of Denver and O. A. Aubrey of Manitou Attended by Physicians.
Miss Alva Gustason of Denver, O. A. Aubrey of Manitou and other passengers of a Manitou Street car were injured late yesterday afternoon during a stampede of the occupants who were panic stricken as the result of the blowing out of a fuse, which enveloped the front of the car in flames. The air brakes refused to work as the car approached the corner of Seventeenth Street and Colorado Avenue, and the heavy coach became unmanageable for a few minutes.
The passengers, who displayed considerable nervousness before the fuse blew out were terror stricken when the sheet of flame burst out at the front end, and made a wild scramble to get out. Miss Gustason sustained a sprained ankle and shoulder, and was otherwise bruised. Aubrey and Miss Gustason were attended by Dr. H. A. Peters.
The car, No. 69, was in charge of Conductor [illegible] Shafer and Motorman David F. McGarry. The damage was soon... Read MORE...
1910 - LIGHTNING KILLS SEVEN IN COLORADO
COLORADO SPRINGS, Col., Sept. 22 - As the result of the electrical storms yesterday and last night, seven persons were killed by lightning in the mountains east of here, according to advices today. The victims are six men and one woman, only three of whom have been identified.
MRS. GUS KRATZ, wife of a ranchman living near Elbert, and JAMES BLAND, of Plattsburg, Mo., and CHARLES LOLCAMA, a ranchman, are the three identified dead. C. BETHEL, of this city, who brought BLAND'S body here early today, also brought the news that four other men had been killed near Kiowa in El Paso county.
BETHEL said he and BLAND were driving to a ranch near Eastonville when the storm came up. They reached the ranch in the midst of the storm and the ranchman, LOLCAMA, asked the men to step in out of the wet. BLAND stepped from the buggy and he and the ranchman entered a barn, while BETHEL remained in the buggy. An instant later there was a blinding flash of lightning, partly demolishing the barn and... Read MORE...
COLORADO SPRINGS, Col., Sept. 22 - As the result of the electrical storms yesterday and last night, seven persons were killed by lightning in the mountains east of here, according to advices today. The victims are six men and one woman, only three of whom have been identified.
MRS. GUS KRATZ, wife of a ranchman living near Elbert, and JAMES BLAND, of Plattsburg, Mo., and CHARLES LOLCAMA, a ranchman, are the three identified dead. C. BETHEL, of this city, who brought BLAND'S body here early today, also brought the news that four other men had been killed near Kiowa in El Paso county.
BETHEL said he and BLAND were driving to a ranch near Eastonville when the storm came up. They reached the ranch in the midst of the storm and the ranchman, LOLCAMA, asked the men to step in out of the wet. BLAND stepped from the buggy and he and the ranchman entered a barn, while BETHEL remained in the buggy. An instant later there was a blinding flash of lightning, partly demolishing the barn and... Read MORE...
1916
Colorado Springs, a city, the capital of El Paso co., Colo., at the intersection of the Denver and Rio Grande, the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific and other railroads, 75 miles S. of Denver and near the foot of Pike's Peak. It has an elevation of 6000 feet. It is a fashionable summer- and health-resort and is surrounded by beautiful scenery. The climate is serene, mild, and healthy, and in close vicinity are the Manitou Springs. The city contains the Colorado College, sanitariums, a Catholic hospital, and state institutions for deaf-mutes and the blind. Pop. in 1890, 11,140 ; in 1900, 21,085.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Colorado Springs, a city, the capital of El Paso co., Colo., at the intersection of the Denver and Rio Grande, the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific and other railroads, 75 miles S. of Denver and near the foot of Pike's Peak. It has an elevation of 6000 feet. It is a fashionable summer- and health-resort and is surrounded by beautiful scenery. The climate is serene, mild, and healthy, and in close vicinity are the Manitou Springs. The city contains the Colorado College, sanitariums, a Catholic hospital, and state institutions for deaf-mutes and the blind. Pop. in 1890, 11,140 ; in 1900, 21,085.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
1923 - Train Accident
Colorado Springs, - Arthur Piper, 18 years old, of 2616 South Pennsylvania street, Denver was probably fatally injured and Vern Marsh, 19 years old. of 2882 South Bannock street, Denver, was painfully bruised a few days ago when a handcar on which they were riding was struck by a southbound passenger train near Colorado Springs. The two boys took the handcar at Palmer Lake and were on their way to Colorado Springs when the accident occurred. Piper is in St. Francis hospital, and his recovery is doubtful. Marsh was lodged in the city jail.
The Park County Republican
Fairplay, Colorado
April 13, 1923
Colorado Springs, - Arthur Piper, 18 years old, of 2616 South Pennsylvania street, Denver was probably fatally injured and Vern Marsh, 19 years old. of 2882 South Bannock street, Denver, was painfully bruised a few days ago when a handcar on which they were riding was struck by a southbound passenger train near Colorado Springs. The two boys took the handcar at Palmer Lake and were on their way to Colorado Springs when the accident occurred. Piper is in St. Francis hospital, and his recovery is doubtful. Marsh was lodged in the city jail.
The Park County Republican
Fairplay, Colorado
April 13, 1923
1943 - CAPTAIN, SERGEANT DIE IN PLANE CRASH.
Great Falls, Mont. - (UP) - Capt. NIELS CHIEVITZ, 44, Minneapolis, and Sgt. ROBERT B. RUE, 23, Cincinnati, O., were killed when a Liberator bomber crashed and burned 5 miles southeast of Peterson Field, Colorado Springs, Colo., seventh ferrying group officers announced Tuesday.
The bomber, piloted by CHIEVITZ, was stationed at Gore Field here. It crashed a few minutes after taking off from Peterson Field on a return trip to Great Falls, Monday.
CHIEVITZ was a native of Copenhagen, Denmark, and was a commercial pilot in civilian life.
Wisconsin State Journal
Madison, Wisconsin
October 13, 1943
Great Falls, Mont. - (UP) - Capt. NIELS CHIEVITZ, 44, Minneapolis, and Sgt. ROBERT B. RUE, 23, Cincinnati, O., were killed when a Liberator bomber crashed and burned 5 miles southeast of Peterson Field, Colorado Springs, Colo., seventh ferrying group officers announced Tuesday.
The bomber, piloted by CHIEVITZ, was stationed at Gore Field here. It crashed a few minutes after taking off from Peterson Field on a return trip to Great Falls, Monday.
CHIEVITZ was a native of Copenhagen, Denmark, and was a commercial pilot in civilian life.
Wisconsin State Journal
Madison, Wisconsin
October 13, 1943
1959 - September 29 - A storm produced 28 inches of snow at Colorado Springs, CO.
WeatherForYou.com
WeatherForYou.com
2023 - Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or a foodie, Colorado Springs has something to offer for everyone. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in this beautiful town:
Garden of the Gods: This iconic city park is known for its stunning red rock formations and numerous hiking trails. It's a must-visit for any nature lover. Be sure to stop by the Visitor and Nature Center to learn about the geology and history of the area.
Pikes Peak: Known as "America's Mountain," Pikes Peak offers breathtaking views and the opportunity to drive or take the Cog Railway to the summit. It's one of Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks and provides an unforgettable experience.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: Located high on the mountainside, this zoo offers not only a fantastic animal collection but also incredible views of the city and surrounding areas. Don't miss the giraffe feeding experience!
Manitou Springs: Just a short drive from Colorado Springs, this quirky little town is famous for its mineral springs, unique shops, and the challenging Manitou Incline, a steep hiking trail up the side of a mountain.
The Broadmoor: This luxurious resort is a Colorado Springs... Read MORE...
Garden of the Gods: This iconic city park is known for its stunning red rock formations and numerous hiking trails. It's a must-visit for any nature lover. Be sure to stop by the Visitor and Nature Center to learn about the geology and history of the area.
Pikes Peak: Known as "America's Mountain," Pikes Peak offers breathtaking views and the opportunity to drive or take the Cog Railway to the summit. It's one of Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks and provides an unforgettable experience.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: Located high on the mountainside, this zoo offers not only a fantastic animal collection but also incredible views of the city and surrounding areas. Don't miss the giraffe feeding experience!
Manitou Springs: Just a short drive from Colorado Springs, this quirky little town is famous for its mineral springs, unique shops, and the challenging Manitou Incline, a steep hiking trail up the side of a mountain.
The Broadmoor: This luxurious resort is a Colorado Springs... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Colorado Springs Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
We currently have information about 21 ancestors who were born or died in Colorado Springs.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
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Genealogy Resources for Colorado Springs
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Patriotic Memories: Memorial Day Vintage Postcard Coffee Mug
Remembering the Brave, Honoring the Fallen Celebrate the spirit of Memorial Day with this stunning ceramic coffee mug featuring vintage postcards commemorating the holiday. Perfect for honoring the brave men and women who served, this mug is both a functional keepsake and a nostalgic work of art. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an afternoon tea, this dishwasher-safe and microwave-friendly mug is a timeless way to show your patriotism. Ideal as a gift for veterans, history buffs, or anyone who cherishes American traditions, this mug makes Memorial Day even more meaningful.
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