In 1879, General William Jackson Palmer, founder of Colorado Springs, convinced his friend Charles Elliot Perkins to purchase land in Garden of the Gods. Perkins eventually bought a total of 480 spectacular acres surrounding the Gateway Rocks, . . . — — Map (db m135646) HM
In 1858, a young woman from Kansas climbed to the summit of Pikes Peak. Julia Archibald Holmes was the first Anglo woman on record to make the climb, and she became famous for that accomplishment as well as for the way she did it.
Julia had arrived . . . — — Map (db m46001) HM
The beauty of Garden of the Gods Park, with its dramatic red rock formations framing Pikes Peak, serves as a magnificent eastern gateway to Colorados Rocky Mountains. The parks towering red sandstone rocks have long been recognized as a landmark. . . . — — Map (db m45983) HM
A Privately-Owned Balanced Rock In the 1890s, photographer Paul Goerke shrewdly purchased the land around Balanced Rock. Goerke and his son, Curt, snapped photos of tourists for .25 cents each. The Goerkes then developed the plates in their . . . — — Map (db m45981) HM
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. . . . — — Map (db m135578) HM
This marks the site of the
Old Fort and Stockade
built by
Pioneers of Colorado City
used in defense against
the Indians in 1864 and 1868
Constructed of logs
set on end
_____
Erected by
Old . . . — — Map (db m96054) HM
One-seed juniper trees are the park's longest living residents. These ancient trees are mostly found along the ridges and are even growing right out of the high rocky cliffs. The juniper, distinctive for its stringy gray bark and snarly twisted . . . — — Map (db m282620) HM
Welcome!
Rock ledge Ranch Historic Site is a living history museum that allows visitors to experience the lives of the people who dwelled, worked, hunted, herded and raised families here from the 1700s to the early 20th century. This . . . — — Map (db m46002) HM
1775-1835 American Indian Area
Discover the history and culture of the American Indians who lived in the Central Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. Visitors will have an opportunity to see an elk or buffalo hide tepee, a wide variety of . . . — — Map (db m135562) HM
Around 300 million years ago, the Ancestral Rockies once stood here. Over time, the forces of wind and water eroded the magnificent peaks into swift streams full of sediments. These sediments were eventually pressed and cemented into solid rock. The . . . — — Map (db m45979) HM
Given to
the City of Colorado Springs
in 1909
by the children
of
Charles Elliott Perkins
In fulfilment of his wish
that it be kept forever
free to the public — — Map (db m135023) HM
This rock formation, called Sentinel Rock, is a geologic treasure. It is composed of two types of rock - a fine sandstone and a gravelly conglomerate. The various layers in this rock were deposited 275 million years ago. During that time, ancient . . . — — Map (db m135022) HM
The Central Garden Trail is a moderate, one-mile round-trip loop. It is paved and wheelchair accessible. This trail will take you between the towering Gateway Rocks into the heart of Garden of the Gods Park. Along the way you will have the . . . — — Map (db m72936) HM
Honoring all who served.
God bless our Veterans.
You will never be forgotten.
Dedicated 11-11-11.
In Honor and Remembrance.
This memorial is dedicated
to Fountain Valley Veterans
of all wars big . . . — — Map (db m256026) WM
Lake Gazebo Built 1888 by Green Mountain Falls Town & Improvement Co. Until a board walk was built in the 1930s, the gazebo sat on the island, accessible only by boat. Gazebo Bridge Built 1990 Designed and . . . — — Map (db m283837) HM
This building housed the original Green Mountain Town Company Sales Office. Folks, mostly tourists, would ride the train up from Colorado Springs (and beyond), and be greeted by salesmen encouraging them to buy a lot or rent a tent cabin. Many of . . . — — Map (db m295794) HM
Jerome Wheeler was one of Manitou Springs' most generous patrons. He left the town a wealth of businesses and buildings, but his greatest gift was the fame of its mineral water.
Wheeler came to Colorado in 1883 after distinguished service in . . . — — Map (db m250729) HM
The naturally-carbonated. mineral springs of Manitou Springs inspired the town's early development.
Throughout the 1870s and 80s, the mineral water business began to grow. In 1889, the Manitou Mineral Water Company built a prominent, three- . . . — — Map (db m250671) HM
Jean Baptist Francolon, a French-born Catholic priest and architect, is renowned for designing Miramont Castle. He immigrated to the U.S. in 1878 and settled in Manitou Springs in 1892. Construction of the castle took place from 1895 to 1897, with . . . — — Map (db m250723) HM
The Architect
Designed by Charles E. Thomas 1876-1957.
Born in Columbus, Ohio. The son of a British born expert of stone masonry, the Thomas family moved to Denver in 1881 and Thomas began his architectural training there in 1893. He . . . — — Map (db m250640) HM
Originally built in 1872 by artist Theodore Pine, Charles W. Barker purchased Pine Cottage in 1880. In 1882, he changed the name and began yearly additions By 1890, it was a typical resort hotel with 110 rooms, Wilton carpets, Manitou's first . . . — — Map (db m250803) HM
This is the oldest, continuously occupied Congregational Church in Colorado. Founded as a mission in 1877, early services were held in Manitou's original schoolhouse. On April 4, 1880, the cornerstone was laid. This Gothic Revival structure was . . . — — Map (db m255118) HM
In memoriam
This park is dedicated in honor of
George Eber Duclo who died in the service of his country in the World War 1917-1919 — — Map (db m250980) WM
Manitou's mineral springs have been appreciated for their healthful benefits throughout history
For centuries, Native peoples revered the effervescent waters They used the mineral water to calm stomachs, soothe skin problems, and as a tonic . . . — — Map (db m250647) HM
In Memory of Emma Crawford
who succumbed to tuberculosis
at age 28. She was an accomplished
musician, piano teacher and fiancιe
to Mr. Wilhelm Hildenbrand. Emma loved Red Mountain and had requested to be buried at its summit, but in 1929 heavy . . . — — Map (db m251014) HM
Iron Springs Geyser was drilled in 1910 by J. G. Hiestand, and is one of
a group of chalybeate springs (those containing salts of iron) in Ruxton
Canyon. Originally, the water erupted high into the air every half hour.
The iron springs were . . . — — Map (db m250983) HM
In 1871, Welsh-born James James homesteaded the canyon where the Cliff Dwellings Museum is now located. He was an early water commissioner for Colorado Springs and supplied the stone for-this building from his quarry in Black Caρon.
James and . . . — — Map (db m250848) HM
With a summit elevation of 14,110 ft above sea level, the Manitou & Pike's Peak
Railway is the highest railway in North America and the world's highest cog railway. This line was the third and last cog railroad to be built in the
United States . . . — — Map (db m250962) HM
Manitou Mineral Water Company
In July 1887, Jerome Wheeler, a banking and mining millionaire, formed the Manitou Mineral Water Company and then purchased the Manitou Mineral Water Park and Bath Company. The organization planned a new, much . . . — — Map (db m250650) HM
This classical Italian Renaissance library was opened February 22, 1911. Manitou Springs' citizens were proud of the cork floors, heavy oak furniture, and a five-foot tall wall clock that ran on dry-cell batteries.
Manitou Springs had a free . . . — — Map (db m250939) HM
Manitou Springs Post Office
Dedicated in 1940, this was the last building in town constructed of Manitou greenstone. Local citizens lobbied the federal government for its distinctive stone construction, even though this increased building . . . — — Map (db m250731) HM
The Mansions Hotel was located west of City Hall in the area currently occupied by the Fire Department and adjacent motel. Built in 1874, it was the third hotel in Manitou Springs and the second built by Dr. William Bell, founder of Manitou . . . — — Map (db m250954) HM
Jean Baptiste Francolon, a French Roman Catholic priest, became the parish priest of Manitou Springs in 1893. After a pilgrimage to Rome in 1894, Francolon began building Miramont Castle, incorporating nine styles of architecture from memories of . . . — — Map (db m250722) HM
Built in 1890 by the owner of Colorado Springs' Newton Lumber Company, this home was purchased by Honest John Nolon in 1900. Nolon owned a gambling hall and saloon in Cripple Creek and saloons in Manitou Springs, including the Buffalo Saloon at . . . — — Map (db m250735) HM
Our Lady of Perpetual Help is the oldest Roman Catholic church in the Diocese of Colorado Springs.
The first Catholic Mass in this area was celebrated in 1860 by the Rev. Joseph Machebeuf, who later became Colorado's first bishop. The parish of . . . — — Map (db m250986) HM
Manitou Springs' first Catholic Parish was established in 1882. Master builders Archie and Angus Gillis completed this Gothic-influenced, shingle-style church in June of 1889. The Gillises were also responsible for the construction of Miramont . . . — — Map (db m250985) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m288471) HM
Navajo Spring was often mentioned in written accounts by early explorers. To American Indians, it was sacred.
The natural water and gases erupting from the Earth were impressive to behold. This spring was especially meaningful to the . . . — — Map (db m250653) HM
"Sound the Alarm" Purchased for 22 cents a pound in June of 1884, this 550 pound bell served to call, "Manitou's Finest", the volunteers of the W.A. Bell Hose, Hook, and Ladder Co. to duty. — — Map (db m250942) HM
This is the site of Manitou Springs' birthplace. The mineral waters of the Manitou Soda Spring are historically significant, since the Cheyenne, Arapahoes, Utes, and others, regarded the springs as special, sacred places inhabited by the Great . . . — — Map (db m250672) HM
Begun as a preaching mission by the First Congregational Church of Colorado Springs in 1877
Gathered as a congregation August 22, 1879
This building, erected in 1880, is the oldest Congregational Church building in Colorado — — Map (db m255117) HM
Winfield Scott Stratton propelled Manitou Springs into turn-of-the-century tourism.
Winfield Scott Stratton was a one-time carpenter who struck gold near Victor, Colorado, on July 4, 1891. His claim, named the Independence Mine, made Stratton a . . . — — Map (db m250674) HM
When Jerome B. Wheeler decided to open Manitou Springs' first bank, he hired architect J.L. Nichols and Central City contractor MacFarlane & Co. Wheeler was one of Colorado's great financiers and mining barons and a generous benefactor of many . . . — — Map (db m250932) HM
This memorial is the
Property of the State of Colorado
Ute Pass
Named from the old Ute Trail
which led from South Park
through Manitou to the Plains.
Traversed by the Utes on
hunting and war expeditions.
Improved highway built . . . — — Map (db m32663) HM
Julia Archibald Holmes was the first Anglo woman to climb Pikes Peak. She camped near Manitou Springs as a member of the Lawrence Party with her husband and brother in 1858.
Upon seeing the springs for the first time, Julia wrote:
...we . . . — — Map (db m250618) HM
Built in 1899 as a small hotel
the Colliers family refurbished it in 1928 as a boarding house.
From 1960 to 1984, it was used as apartments.
Renovated as a National Historic Building in 1984.
This property has been placed on the National . . . — — Map (db m282303) HM
The Garden of the Gods Trading Company began in the early 1900s when teenager Charles E. Strausenback began selling his carved gypsum figures at Garden of the Gods' east gateway in front of Fatty Rice's beer hall.
In 1924, Strausenback began . . . — — Map (db m282613) HM
In the early 1900's, local Indian trader Charles E. Strausenback built the Trading Post to resemble the homes of the Pueblo Indians.
Throught the mid-1950's, Native American silversmiths and artisans worked and lived at the Trading Post, . . . — — Map (db m285254) HM
Dr. Henry McDonough and Gerturde Ogilbee first came to Manitou Springs for their honeymoon in 1887. They decided to move here in 1888 because of Dr. Ogilbee's poor health. Ogilbee and his practice thrived, allowing them to have local contractors, . . . — — Map (db m282609) HM
Church services first began in a tent in 1874, making this Manitou Springs' oldest religious congregation. Town founder, Dr. William A. Bell, donated land in 1877, and, in 1880, a chapel was built west of the current church's location. In 1885, the . . . — — Map (db m250622) HM
The early Cliff House was small, cube-shaped, and was first mentioned in the January 10, 1874 Colorado Springs Gazette. The first two operating seasons bankrupted Canadian owners Thomas T. Shurtliff-and William A. Webster. Edward E. Nichols . . . — — Map (db m250740) HM
This boulder marks the eastern end of the Ute Pass Trail, one of the oldest Indian Trails in the United States.
This trail was marked by the EL Paso Co. Pioneer Ass'n. assisted by Chief Buckskin Charlie and his band of Utes.
Aug. 29, 1912. — — Map (db m282616) HM
Jerome Wheeler donated this clock in 1889 for the opening of the Manitou Mineral Water Bottling Company. The clock, cast by the J. L. Mott Iron Works of Trenton, New Jersey, was also a fountain. Water flowed from stylized dolphin heads into . . . — — Map (db m55812) HM
This tablet is the
property of the State of Colorado
_____
Due south 610 feet is the
Old Stone Fort
built at the pioneer home of
David McShane. Constructed as a
defense against Arapaho and Cheyenne . . . — — Map (db m104869) HM
Combat search and rescue crews risk their lives to rescue fellow service members behind enemy lines, united by a simple motto that became an enduring mission: "That others may live."
This mantra was especially true during the Vietnam War, . . . — — Map (db m232054) HM
Noting the experiences of British and German rescue forces in
World War II, the U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF) activated rescue
squadrons in 1943, equipped with SB-17s, SB-29s, the first R-6
helicopters and PBYS. They served in all theaters and, . . . — — Map (db m232051) HM
After Southeast Asia, the ARS modified nine of its HH-53s with
a night/all-weather capability. However, after the failure of the
Iranian rescue mission in April 1980, these aircraft were transferred
from the ARS to Air Force Special Operations . . . — — Map (db m232052) HM
In 2000, the USAF began training combat rescue officers (CROs),
combining them with the PJs as the "Guardian Angel" weapons
system and assigning them to their own squadrons as a key and
integral part of rescue task forces. In response to the . . . — — Map (db m232053) HM
The Airman on the Meadow and Winged Refuge on the East Plaza, were
donated by friends, non-graduate classmates, widows and families, and
- in tribute to their indivisible brotherhood -
every living graduate of the Class of . . . — — Map (db m162467) WM
The Winged Refuge, and the Airman located on the Meadow, were
donated by friends, non-graduate classmates, widows and families, and
- in tribute to their indivisible brotherhood -
every living graduate of the Class of . . . — — Map (db m162470) WM
Dedicated to those who served and those
who gave their lives in defense of
our precious freedoms
WORLD WAR II ENGAGEMENTS
Air Combat Europe-Africa-Mediterrean Theater
Air Offensive-Europe Algeria-French Morocco
Tunisia Sicily . . . — — Map (db m161885) WM
In memory of those brave and forgotten airmen
of the 11th Air Force, whom God chose to place
beyond our reach, and who lost their lives in the
unforgiving waters of coastal Alaska, the Aleutian Islands,
the North Pacific, Bering Sea and . . . — — Map (db m163235) WM
In memory of those who served and those
who gave the last full measure of devotion
and did not return. Habemus Ad Dominum.
Northrop F-5C — — Map (db m163086) WM
As long as I live, there'll never be another like the
"We'll Be There" Squadron. We went through so much
and were so ill prepared in everything but morale, but
we had that. The hardships the men had to put up with
and the manner which they . . . — — Map (db m163218) HM WM
Flying Yankees
WWII 1941-1945
Black Lightning
China 1944-1945
Dedicated to those who sacrificed
so much in the cause of freedom — — Map (db m163413) WM
The 11th Air Force became active in the North Pacific with the arrival of a B-10 aircraft at Elmendorf AFB in 1940. During World War II aerial combat extended from the American continent to Japan, a vast expanse of the worst flying weather in the . . . — — Map (db m163176) HM WM
Dedicated to the memory of the officers and airmen, including assigned airmen of the Royal Canadian Air Force, who gave their lives while serving their countries as members of the 12th Bombardment Group (Med)., U. S. Army Air Forces. The group was . . . — — Map (db m169982) WM
Activated June 3, 1917 - Kelly Fld, Tex.
Deactivated Aug. 28, 1992 - Bergstrom AFB, Tex.
Served with distinction and honor in:
World War I World War II Korea
Vietnam Desert Storm
In Dedication
Dedication to all those men who . . . — — Map (db m163088) WM
In honor of a very special group of young men
who served their country so faithfully while
enduring incredible hardships and dangers in
New Guinea, the Philippines and Okinawa.
Some lived and some died - all of them gave
their best. They . . . — — Map (db m162860) WM
In honor and memory of those gallant members of the
13th Bomb Squadron; Light, Night Intruder,
who performed their duties — and gave their lives
in defense of freedom during the Korean War.
25 June 1950 to 27 July 1953
Iwakuni, . . . — — Map (db m163817) WM
15th Fighter Group 21st Fighter Group
Fighter Squadrons
45th, 47th, 78th 46th, 72nd and 531st
Dedicated to the brave air and ground crews who fought
and died in combat against Japan.
They fought hand to hand combat defending
their . . . — — Map (db m160977) WM
In memory of all those who served with the
17th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron
Organized at Colorado Springs
1942 - 1945
Served in the Pacific Theater
with the 13th Air Force
This plaque is dedicated as an
eternal tribute . . . — — Map (db m170430) WM
18th Fighter Group 318th Fighter Group
Fighter Squadrons
44th, 12th 19th, 73rd and 333rd
Dedicated to those who fought valiantly
on the ground and in the air against Japan.
They fought successfully against an enemy
holding numerical . . . — — Map (db m160971) WM
In honor of all the men who served
in our squadron during World War II
Amchitka Dutch Harbor Kodiak
Cold Bay Adak Anchorage Attu — — Map (db m163236) WM
In commemoration of our valiant
comrades who served, fought and
died during the air wars against
Japan in 1945 and Korea in 1950-53.
May their deeds of valor
never be forgotten
Dedicated 19 July 1991 — — Map (db m161025) WM
Initially torpedoed and almost destroyed
this squadron rose from disaster to
top performance of its control mission
in the air war of the Pacific.
Los Angeles Brisbane Finschhafen
Hollandia Wakde Gusap Leyte
Mindoro Lingayen . . . — — Map (db m162959) WM
First to use air power to end a major war
without an invasion of the enemys homeland
Dedicated to all who served
The Headquarters Staff
The Many Support Units
The Combat Squadrons
The Prisoners of War
. . . — — Map (db m160970) WM
Dedicated to the Cause of Freedom
The memory of those comrades
who made the supreme sacrifice -
those privileged to have served in the
22nd Bomb Squadron
from 1942 to 1945 — — Map (db m161686) WM
Dedicated
to the men of the
23rd Fighter Group
Activated in combat July 4, 1942 in China
Presidential Unit Citation
1942 — 1946 — — Map (db m163380) WM
Dedicated to those who served in WW II with the
25th Bomb Group (Recon, Special)
652d Bomb Sq (Heavy, Wea. Recon) 653d Bomb Sq (Light, Wea. Recon)
654th Bomb Sq (Recon Special)
AAF Station 376 Watton, England
3501 . . . — — Map (db m170450) WM
Dedicated
to the men who served in the
27th Air Depot Group
Duty Called - They Served
Mobile, Ala. - Australia
New Guinea - Japan
Dedicated 08 October 1993 — — Map (db m162957) WM
310, 311, 312, 325th - Ferrying Squadrons
86, 87, 320, 321st - Transport Squadrons
519th, 520th - Service Squadrons
Dedicated in honored memory to those
who served in the European Theatre
1942 . . . — — Map (db m163078) WM
