Old Colorado City
Colorado’s Old Town… Shop, Dine, Discover
In 1861 Old Colorado City, through some fancy footwork in Washington, D. C., became Colorado Territory’s first capitol. The legislators met here only once, and decided the colorful atmosphere was not representative of a Territory Capitol.
The years following were disastrous for Old Colorado City. The Civil War and accompanying national depression brought incoming traffic to a standstill. In 1864 a great flood wiped out half the local crops, and a month later millions of grasshoppers finished the job. On top of all that, Old Colorado City had been built on an Indian crossroad, a natural boundary between the Sioux, Arapahos and Cheyennes of the Great Plains, and their historic enemies, the Utes of the mountains to the West. There were many tense moments as differences were settled in the immediate area, with little consideration given to any settlers who happened to be in the way.
The upper class Easterners responsible for founding Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs (1872) wanted little to do with Colorado City and its rowdy reputation. Or at least these were the public statements. More private stories, however, tell of a system of tunnels under Colorado City leading from the “good” side of the street to the other, with many an honorable gentleman having occasion to use the tunnels.
Colorado City was booming again with the discovery of gold in Cripple Creek. As traffic up Ute Pass increased, Colorado City’s revenues from the toll increased too. Four processing plants were built in the immediate vicinity to handle the Cripple Creek ore, these provided jobs and therefore also contributed to the local economy.
Most of the buildings in existence today date from this period of renewed growth. Old Colorado City uses the buildings much as they were used originally. The ground floors are shops and stores, restaurants and bars; the upper floors are offices, meeting rooms and residences. In 1917 Old Colorado City was annexed into the city of Colorado Springs and in 1977 was designated a National Historic District. The Old Colorado City Development Corp. was then formed to obtain the necessary financial resources for the restoration and revitalization of the area. Flourishing again today, extensive landscaping and a variety of businesses located in Old Colorado City have all contributed to the historical atmosphere you will enjoy as you spend time in this unique shopping city, now with over 120 shops and restaurants.
Today Old Colorado City represents the best in shopping, dining, and entertainment while keeping the friendly, homespun flavor of the old West. Contributed by Hazelton Marketing & Promotion 1991
Showing properties
1 - 25 of 26.
See more 80905 zip code real estate.
(all data current as of
2/22/2012)
-
$205,000 : 400 Hilltop Cr, Colorado Springs4 beds, 2 full baths
-
$219,900 : 302 Cheyenne Bl, Colorado Springs3 beds, 2 full baths
-
$259,000 : 1012 North Star Dr, Colorado Springs3 beds, 2 full baths
-
$235,000 : 610 W Bijou St, Colorado Springs3 beds, 2 full baths
-
$285,000 : 480 Silver Mine Dr, Colorado Springs5 beds, 4 full baths
-
$225,000 : 223 S Raven Mine Dr, Colorado Springs2 beds, 2 full baths
-
$239,000 : 945 Skyway Bl, Colorado Springs3 beds, 2 full baths
-
$269,900 : 1281 Gold Hill Mesa Dr, Colorado Springs3 beds, 3 full baths
-
$274,900 : 1273 Gold Hill Mesa Dr, Colorado Springs3 beds, 3 full baths
-
$299,720 : 146 Celestine St, Colorado Springs3 beds, 3 full baths
-
2 beds, 2 full baths
-
2 beds, 2 full baths
-
2 beds, 2 full baths
-
2 beds, 2 full baths
-
$277,400 : 1186 Gold Hill Mesa Dr, Colorado Springs3 beds, 2 full baths
-
$275,000 : 907 Skyway Bl, Colorado Springs4 beds, 2 full baths
-
$349,900 : 180 Millstream Te, Colorado Springs6 beds, 5 full baths
-
$324,900 : 174 Millstream Te, Colorado Springs4 beds, 4 full baths
-
$259,900 : 543 W St Vrain St, Colorado Springs3 beds, 3 full baths
-
$290,000 : 1918 Altair Dr, Colorado Springs3 beds, 3 full baths
-
$300,000 : 1707 Hercules Dr, Colorado Springs4 beds, 3 full baths
-
$359,900 : 199 Millstream Te, Colorado Springs4 beds, 4 full baths
-
$214,900 : 1643 Apache Tr, Colorado Springs4 beds, 3 full baths
-
$325,000 : 1829 Mesita Ct, Colorado Springs2 beds, 2 full baths
-
$324,900 : 1367 Portland Gold Dr, Colorado Springs3 beds, 2 full baths
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
other properties you might like
Showing properties
1 - 6 of 102.
See more Old Colorado City community real estate.
(all data current as of
2/22/2012)
-
$74,900 : 940 Raymond Pl, Colorado Springs2 beds, 1 full bath
-
$61,900 : 906 W Colorado Av, Colorado Springs2 beds, 1 full bath
-
$299,900 : 2123 Windwalker Gr, Colorado Springs3 beds, 3 full baths
-
$235,000 : 610 W Bijou St, Colorado Springs3 beds, 2 full baths
-
$249,000 : 414 N 17th St, Colorado Springs5 beds, 2 full baths
-
$249,500 : 1023 W Pikes Peak Av, Colorado Springs3 beds, 2 full baths
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
