Garden of the Gods Park
In the early 1900s, Charles Elliot Perkins declared his wish to his children that the Garden of the Gods be given to the citizens of Colorado Springs and that the Park should remain “forever free to all the people of the world.” One hundred years later, his act of goodwill has fostered generations of local citizens and international visitors who appreciate its beauty and natural and cultural resources. The grand vision of Colorado Springs’ Founder William Jackson Palmer was to create an environment of parks and open spaces that would enrich the lives of all those who visited. Both Palmer’s grand vision and Charles Elliot Perkins’s dream are realized in Garden of the Gods Park. In 1972, Garden of the Gods was designated a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
In 2009, the City of Colorado Springs will mark 100 years of preserving, restoring, maintaining and interpreting the invaluable natural and cultural resources of our locally-treasured, nationally-significant and internationally known City
Park. This Centennial Celebration will also provide an opportunity for today’s citizens to renew their dedication to protect the distinctive features of Garden of the Gods Park and to support the stewardship of public lands for future generation.Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Features • Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks, and the National Natural Landmarks series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1972.
Location. 38° 52.634′ N, 104° 52.288′ W. Marker is in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in El Paso County. It is in West Colorado Springs. Marker is on Gateway Road, on the right when traveling east. Marker is located at the main entrance to the Garden of the Gods Park across the street from its main visitor center. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Colorado Springs CO 80904, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bloomer Girl; A Colorado Trailblazer (here, next to this marker); Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); O Beautiful For Spacious Skies... (about 600 feet away); The Garden of the Gods (approx. half a mile away); A Priceless Gift (approx. half a mile away); Time Frozen In Stone (approx. half a mile away); Welcome to Garden of the Gods Park (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Colorado Springs.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2011, by Charles T. Harrell of Woodford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,210 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 11, 2011, by Charles T. Harrell of Woodford, Virginia. 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 7, 2011, by Charles T. Harrell of Woodford, Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.