Manitou Springs in El Paso County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Pike's Peak
Photographed by Mark Parker, July 2, 2024
1. Pike's Peak Marker
The world's most famous mountain was discovered by Zebulon M. Pike, an army officer, November 13th, 1806. At the time he discovered this peak, which now fittingly bears his name, he made the statement that it could never be ascended by man.
This quaint locomotive was built in 1893 and was in actual service for 40 years and had an extraordinary record for safe operation. Truly the pioneer of the region, the Manitou and Pike's Peak Railway was completed in August 1891 and has been in continuous service, now operating with modern diesel electric equipment.
The roadway is 9 miles long, with a maximum gradient of 25% reaching an altitude of 14109 feet.
Presented to the city of Manitou Springs, Colorado June 1,1940.
Erected 1940.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Natural Features • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is November 13, 1806.
Location. 38° 51.463′ N, 104° 54.728′ W. Marker is in Manitou Springs, Colorado, in El Paso County. It is at the intersection of Manitou Avenue (Business U.S. 24) and El Paso Boulevard, on the right when
this page online
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 Comancherνa.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Manitou and Pike's Peak Cog Railway (here, next to this marker); Mansions Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Sound the Alarm (within shouting distance of this marker); An Early Adventurer in Manitou (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); George Eber Duclo (about 500 feet away); The Historic Manitou Congregational Church (about 700 feet away); Community Congregational Church (about 700 feet away); Manitou Springs Carnegie Library (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manitou Springs.
More about this marker.
Photographed by Mark Parker, July 2, 2024
2. Pike's Peak Marker and Manitou and Pike's Peak Railway Locomotive
Marker is inside the iron fence.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 11, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 252 times since then and 28 times this year. Last updated on November 13, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 11, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
