Colorado Springs in El Paso County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)

O Beautiful For Spacious Skies...

By Mark Hilton, June 6, 2019

1. O Beautiful For Spacious Skies... Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Travelers have been drawn to the towering rock formations of Garden of the Gods and the world famous Pikes Peak for centuries. The view from the summit inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write the lyrics for “America the Beautiful" in 1893.

Pikes Peak was named for Zebulon Montgomery Pike, an American explorer and lieutenant in the U. S. Army. Pike was assigned to explore the Arkansas River to its source. On November 15, 1806, Pike wrote in his journal:

"At two o'clock in the afternoon, I thought I could distinguish a mountain to our right, which appeared to be a small blue cloud; viewed it with a spyglass, and it was still more confirmed in my conjecture...in half an hour, (the mountains) appeared in full view before us. When our small party arrived on the hill they with one accord gave three cheers..."

Ten days later, Pike and his men attempted to reach the top but failed, due to a snowstorm. In reference to their lack of preparation, Pike entered into his journal:

"I believe no human could have ascended to its pinnacle."

Despite his failed attempt, Pike has the honor

Marker view of Garden of the Gods with Pikes Peak in far background. image. Click for full size.

By Mark Hilton, June 6, 2019

2. Marker view of Garden of the Gods with Pikes Peak in far background.

of having the mountain named after him.

Pikes Peak Facts
♦The Ute Indians knew Pikes Peak as Sun Mountain."
♦Pikes Peak was the landmark prospectors looked for and drove towards in the 1858 "Pikes Peak or Bust" gold rush.
♦The summit is only 10 miles away by air, but 28 miles by road.
♦The air on top has only 50% of the oxygen pressure as at sea level.
♦Weather on top is generally 30 degrees (Fahrenheit) colder than Colorado Springs, much windier, with intense sunlight and the possibility of snow any day of the year.
♦Winter snow rarely lasts through the intense summer sunshine.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Exploration • Women.

Location. 38° 52.699′ N, 104° 52.195′ W. Marker is in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in El Paso County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of North 30th Street and Gateway Road.. Located at the Garden of the Gods Visitors Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1805 North 30th Street, 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. Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site (a few steps from this marker); Garden of the Gods Park (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bloomer Girl; A Colorado Trailblazer

Marker, Garden of the Gods, and Pikes Peak image. Click for full size.

By Mark Hilton, June 6, 2019

3. Marker, Garden of the Gods, and Pikes Peak

(about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site (about 600 feet away); The Garden of the Gods (approx. 0.6 miles away); Welcome to Garden of the Gods Park (approx. 0.6 miles away); A Priceless Gift (approx. 0.6 miles away); Time Frozen In Stone (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Colorado Springs.

Also see . . .
1. Wikipedia article on Pikes Peak. (Submitted on June 21, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
2. Wikipedia article on Katharine Lee Bates. (Submitted on June 21, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

Credits. This page was last revised on October 23, 2019. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 77 times since then and 2 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 21, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.