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

Colorado City, First Territorial Capital

Photographed by Mark Parker, July 3, 2024

1. Colorado City, First Territorial Capital Marker

Inscription. Colorado City was the first official capital of Colorado Territory. It sent a lobbyist to Washington, D.C. who succeeded in having the new territory which was established on February 26, 1861, named "Colorado". He also was able to have the territorial boundaries designated so as to put Colorado City near its center. Governor Evans, who had financial interests in Denver and was opposed to Colorado City as the capital, refused to go to the July 7th, 1862, session in Colorado City, or support it. No public offices had been established there and no territorial official resided there. The allowances for members were withheld, and paper, pens, ink and postage stamps were not provided. Complaining of inadequate accomodations, after four days, the Legislators adjourned to Denver and did not meet in Colorado City again, although it remained the capital nominally for several years.

(photo caption)
Photo courtesy Library, the State Historical Society of Colorado

Erected by Pikes Peak or Bust, '76 Centennial-Bicentennial Committee.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics

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• Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is February 26, 1861.

Location. 38° 50.879′ N, 104° 51.819′ W. Marker is in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in El Paso County. It is in Old Colorado City. It is on West Colorado Avenue south of South 26th Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is at Colorado Tees and Olive Tree Traders. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2524 West Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs CO 80904, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Colorado’s Front Range

and in Pikes Peak Region.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Comanchería.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Original Colorado City (within shouting distance of this marker); Templeton Block (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Log House (about 700 feet away); Carnegie Library (about 700 feet away); Birth of a Town (about

Photographed by Mark Parker, July 3, 2024

2. Colorado City, First Territorial Capital Marker

800 feet away); Cabin on the Move (about 800 feet away); Old Colorado City (about 800 feet away); Old Colorado City History (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Colorado Springs.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 14, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 293 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 12, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. 2. submitted on July 13, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.