Old Colorado City Historic District | Colorado Springs

Old Colorado City Historic District, located on the western edge of Colorado Springs, is a living tribute to Colorado’s pioneering past. Nestled between 24th and 27th Streets along West Colorado Avenue, this walkable historic area is a richly preserved neighborhood that blends 19th-century architecture with modern charm. It was once a gritty frontier town and a vital hub during the Colorado Gold Rush. Today, it stands as a vibrant, artistic, and cultural destination filled with locally-owned businesses, heritage landmarks, and community events.

Historical Background

Founding and Early Growth

Old Colorado City was founded in 1859, the same year as the Colorado Gold Rush. Originally known as “El Dorado” and then “Colorado City,” it was established by pioneers Melancthon Beach, Anthony Bott, Rufus Cable, and George Bute. Strategically located along Fountain Creek, it served as a critical supply and staging point for miners headed toward the Pikes Peak gold fields.

In 1861, Colorado City briefly held the title of Territorial Capital of Colorado. Although it only retained that title for a few days before it was moved to Golden and later Denver, the event marked the city’s early political importance.

Mining Boomtown and Vice Center

By the late 1800s, with the Cripple Creek gold discovery in 1891, the town became a bustling industrial center with ore mills processing precious metals brought from the mountains. Its proximity to both Colorado Springs and the mountain mining camps made it a transit hub.

However, unlike its more conservative neighbor Colorado Springs (a "dry" town founded on religious principles), Colorado City was wide open and infamous for its Wild West character. It boasted more than 20 saloons, gambling halls, dance parlors, and brothels. This earned it a reputation as a rough, rowdy, and lively town, which attracted miners, cowboys, and drifters alike.

Annexation and Decline

In 1917, following a public vote, Colorado City was annexed by Colorado Springs. This was partly due to the city’s dwindling industrial importance and the effects of the state’s early adoption of prohibition in 1914. After annexation, the area began to decline economically and was often considered neglected throughout much of the 20th century.

Preservation and Renaissance

National Register of Historic Places

Recognizing its historical value, Old Colorado City was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Preservation efforts soon followed, leading to the restoration of its red-brick storefronts, cobbled streets, and period-style streetlamps.

Architectural Styles

The district is known for a striking variety of architectural forms from the late 19th and early 20th centuries:

Queen Anne homes with decorative trim and asymmetrical façades

Italianate commercial buildings with tall, narrow windows and ornate cornices

Romanesque Revival, especially seen in buildings like the 1888 Old City Hall, featuring rounded arches, heavy stonework, and tower elements

Many buildings have original brickwork, large glass windows, and detailed facades, creating a rich visual narrative of Colorado’s frontier and industrial past.

Cultural & Commercial Present

Today, Old Colorado City is a thriving arts district, shopping destination, and cultural center. More than 100 independently owned businesses are spread across a few charming blocks. Visitors will find:

Art galleries featuring regional and Indigenous artists

Antique stores, vintage shops, and Western-themed boutiques

Handcrafted jewelry and pottery studios

Coffee houses, bakeries, local breweries, and farm-to-table restaurants

Bookshops and home décor stores nestled within original 19th-century facades

The district also maintains its family-friendly character with tree-lined streets, flower planters, shaded benches, and pedestrian-friendly sidewalks.

Notable Landmarks and Features

Bancroft Park

At the heart of the district lies Bancroft Park, a public green space with historical significance. The park features:

A stone bandshell used for community concerts and festivals

The restored Pioneer Cabin, believed to be one of the oldest original structures in the region

Open lawns, picnic tables, and shaded trees for casual enjoyment

Old City Hall

The former City Hall building, constructed in 1888, is an important piece of architecture. Over the decades, it served as a government center, jail, school, hotel, bottling plant, and now houses boutique shops.

Michael Garman Museum & Magic Town

A signature attraction, the Michael Garman Museum, features Magic Town-a hand-crafted 3,000 sq ft miniature city made of sculpture, holograms, and sound. It portrays the spirit of the American West in urban life scenes.

Events and Community Life

Old Colorado City hosts a wide variety of events that celebrate its history, creativity, and community spirit:

Territory Days

Held annually over Memorial Day weekend, Territory Days is one of Colorado Springs' largest street festivals. The event transforms the entire district into an old western town with:

Historical reenactments

Artisan vendors

Food trucks and local brews

Live music and children's rides

First Friday ArtWalk

From April to December, the First Friday ArtWalk opens galleries late into the evening, featuring rotating exhibitions, artist meet-and-greets, live performances, and pop-up events.

Holiday Season Events

Mad Hatter Saturday (springtime event with whimsical costumes and tea parties)

Pumpkins in the Park (fall family event)

Christmas Stroll with carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, and holiday light displays

These community events make Old Colorado City more than just a historical area-it remains a gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

Visitor Information

No admission fee is required to visit or walk the district.

Most shops open daily between 10 AM and 6 PM, though restaurants and bars may remain open later.

Free parking is available on surrounding streets and designated public lots.

Pet-friendly policies and sidewalk water bowls are common.

ADA accessibility is present in most storefronts, and wide sidewalks allow for easy navigation.

Proximity to Other Attractions

Old Colorado City is centrally located near several key regional landmarks:

Just minutes from Garden of the Gods

Close to downtown Colorado Springs

10 minutes to Manitou Springs

Easy access to Red Rock Canyon Open Space and Bear Creek Nature Center

Its strategic position makes it a convenient and worthwhile stop for travelers exploring the Pikes Peak region.

Conclusion

Old Colorado City Historic District is a compelling blend of history, culture, and community. From its roots as a territorial capital and booming mining town to its Wild West saloon days and its current role as a bustling historic neighborhood, it offers a rich tapestry of stories and sights. Whether you're wandering through a 19th-century building-turned-bookstore, sipping espresso on a sunlit patio, or admiring local art in a converted warehouse gallery, Old Colorado City delivers a unique, authentic, and memorable experience deeply tied to the spirit of Colorado’s frontier legacy.