Near Cañon City in Fremont County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Royal Gorge
In 1878 a right of way through Royal Gorge became the focal point of a bitter struggle between The Denver and Rio Grande and the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroads, with the D and RG winning the route through court action. Congress ceded the land comprising the Royal Gorge Park to Canon City in 1906. And the world's highest suspension bridge, spanning the Arkansas River 1053 feet below was built in 1929.
Elevation 6,626 feet
Erected 1967 by Royal Gorge Company and by the State Historical Society of Colorado. (Marker Number 141.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Exploration • Natural Features • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, and the Colorado - History Colorado series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1806.
Location. 38° 27.771′ N, 105° 19.412′ W. Marker is near Cañon City, Colorado, in Fremont County. Marker is on County Road 3A, 4½ miles south of U.S. 24, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located at Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, about 7 1/4 miles west of Canon City. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4218 County Road 3A, Canon City CO 81212, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. How the Bridge Became Royal (within shouting distance of this marker); Royal Gorge Bridge (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Zebulon Pike Block House (approx. 3.8 miles away); Colorado Territorial Prison (approx. 4½ miles away); Lt. Zebulon Pike's Southwestern Expedition (approx. 4.6 miles away); Bustling Center for Trade, Transportation, and Tourism (approx. 4.6 miles away); The Gold Belt Tour National Scenic Byway (approx. 4.6 miles away); Raynolds Bank (approx. 4.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cañon City.
Also see . . .
1. The City of Cañon City - Official Website. (Submitted on December 20, 2007, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
2. Royal Gorge War. (Submitted on December 20, 2007, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
3. Royal Gorge Bridge and Park Website. (Submitted on December 21, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)
4. Wikipedia entry for Royal Gorge. (Submitted on December 20, 2007, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
Additional commentary.
1. Native Americans of the Ute People
Before European settlement, Native Americans of the Ute people wintered in Royal Gorge for its protection from wind and relatively mild climate. The Comanche, Kiowa, Sioux, and Cheyenne used Royal Gorge on buffalo hunting expeditions as an access point to mountain meadow regions such as South Park Basin. Colorado's Rocky Mountain region fell under Spanish claims, and conquistador expeditions of the 17th century or fur traders may have seen Royal Gorge while traversing the area. The first recorded instance of a European arrival, however, is the Pike expedition of 1806. Zebulon Pike's group built a crude shelter in the gorge and explored the area, descending on horseback over the frozen Arkansas River.
— Submitted December 20, 2007, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.
2. The City of Cañon City
The Royal Gorge Bridge, owned by the City, is one of the major attractions located near Cañon City. This, along with other nearby natural attractions such as the Arkansas River, the National Forest, and the beauty of the surrounding land, draws numerous visitors to the third oldest city in the State of Colorado.
— Submitted December 20, 2007, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 20, 2007, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 3,953 times since then and 20 times this year. Last updated on August 25, 2010, by Bryan R. Bauer of Kearns, Ut 84118. Photos: 1. submitted on December 20, 2007, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 10, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 5, 6, 7. submitted on December 20, 2007, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. submitted on August 25, 2010, by Bryan R. Bauer of Kearns, Ut 84118. 14. submitted on December 21, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 15. submitted on December 17, 2010, by Bob (peach) Weber of Dewey, Arizona. 16. submitted on December 27, 2010, by Bob (peach) Weber of Dewey, Arizona. 17, 18, 19. submitted on August 24, 2010, by Bryan R. Bauer of Kearns, Ut 84118. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.