Colorado Springs sits more than a mile above sea level and is the second largest city in the state. It is home to a host of institutions including the United States Air Force Academy and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. In 2018, U.S. News named it the most desirable place to live in America! It served as the capital of the Colorado Territory in 1862, before that role switched to Denver in 1867. So many immigrants from England had settled in Colorado Springs by the early 1870s that it was referred to locally as “Little London.”
Colorado Springs is a city located in El Paso County, Colorado, in the United States. It is situated at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains and is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The city is the largest in El Paso County and is home to many military installations, including the United States Air Force Academy, Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base, and Schriever Air Force Base. Additionally, the city is a popular tourist destination and has many attractions, including Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods Park, and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
The city was founded in 1871 by General William Jackson Palmer, a Civil War hero and railroad magnate. Palmer chose the site for the city due to its location near the base of Pikes Peak and its potential as a railroad hub. He envisioned the city as a health resort and cultural center, and it quickly became a popular destination for wealthy tourists.
Colorado Springs is located at an elevation of 6,035 feet (1,839 meters) above sea level, making it one of the highest cities in the United States.
Colorado Springs covers an area of 195.6 square miles and is the second-largest city in Colorado by area after Denver. The city is surrounded by a scenic natural landscape, including the Rocky Mountains, Pikes Peak, and numerous parks and trails.
Colorado Springs is situated in the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and its stunning natural beauty is a major draw for tourists and residents alike. Nearby Pikes Peak, standing at 14,115 feet (4,302 meters), is one of the most famous peaks in the United States and can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. The Garden of the Gods, a public park that is home to impressive red sandstone formations, is another popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
In addition to its natural beauty, Colorado Springs is also known for its connection to the Olympic Games. The United States Olympic Committee is headquartered in the city, and the United States Olympic Training Center is located here as well. Athletes from all over the world come to train at the center in preparation for the games.
At the turn of the 20th century, Colorado Springs was a popular health resort due to its dry climate and proximity to mineral springs. Visitors would come to soak in the mineral water and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Today, there are still a few historic mineral springs in the city, including the Manitou Springs Mineral Springs, which offer a glimpse into the city’s past as a health resort.
The Garden of the Gods Park is one of the most iconic landmarks in Colorado Springs and was donated to the city by Charles Elliott Perkins in 1909. The park contains numerous hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and visitor centers, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and rock formations. The park’s red sandstone formations are millions of years old and were formed through a process of erosion and uplift.
Colorado Springs is located near several major ski resorts, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Breckenridge, Keystone, and Vail are all within a two-hour drive from the city, and there are several other ski resorts located within a similar distance. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, these resorts offer a variety of winter activities such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and sledding.