Burlington in Kit Carson County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)

What's In a Name

Burlington Colorado

Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 2, 2024

1. What's In a Name Marker

Inscription. The present day City of Burlington was established in 1888 as towns were needed along the Rock Island Railroad track during its construction. Burlington was in the works to become a junction town; however plans for additional railroad lines didn't materialize.

It is logical to assume that the town was named by association with the well-known railroad company, but this is not the case since the Burlington Northern Railroad never came through Burlington, Colorado. It is said that several land buyers came to the area from Burlington, Kansas, and Burlington, Iowa, and thus together they insisted the name of the town be Burlington.

In a heated race to determine which town would hold the county seat, Burlington won over Claremont (present day Stratton) by a vote of 451 to 170. November 5, 1889, Election Day, the Kit Carson County seat was placed in Burlington. The City of Burlington offered to build and donate to the county a court house which was to be constructed at a cost of $4,500.

Burlington and Kit Carson County provide "the simple life" and residents enjoy fresh air, wide open spaces

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and a safe community for families to play, grow and learn. Local merchants and public officials work hard to ensure we have modern amenities and services for education, commerce, entertainment and health. We take pride in our community and as we like to say, "We will blow you away!"

Erected by City of Burlington, Burlington Rotary Club, Great Outdoors Colorado, Colorado Health Foundation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Rotary International series list. A significant historical date for this entry is November 5, 1889.

Location. 39° 17.728′ N, 102° 16.469′ W. Marker is in Burlington, Colorado, in Kit Carson County. It is at the intersection of Ben Street and Tony Street, on the left when traveling west on Ben Street. Located in Parmer Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Burlington CO 80807, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Eastern Plains.

It is also in the American Mountain West,

on the Great Plains,

and specifically on the High Plains.

View from the marker towards the park "Rocket" slide. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 2, 2024

2. View from the marker towards the park "Rocket" slide.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

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

the Dust Bowl,

and the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Dust Bowl Years (within shouting distance of this marker); The Open Range (within shouting distance of this marker); The Early People (within shouting distance of this marker); As the Dust Settled (within shouting distance of this marker); Our Community Welcomes You (within shouting distance of this marker); A Farming Revolution (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Farm Equipment - Then and Now (about 400 feet away); What Lies Beneath (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Burlington.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 18, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 18, 2024, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 178 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 18, 2024, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.