Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
Beauty was in the eye of beholder Gen. William Jackson Palmer.
When the Colorado Springs founder planted his stake 150 years ago, on July 31, 1871, at Pikes Peak and Colorado avenues, he intended for the city to be the finest place in the West to build a home.
“It was built on the idea that people would want to be here, attracted by the scenic beauty, climate and location of this place,” says Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum Director Matt Mayberry. “As opposed to other Western cities, because there was gold in the ground nearby or the seat of government was there or steel mills, like Pueblo. His was a place people would choose to be because of the quality of life.”
Some would say he accomplished that mission. Because here we are, celebrating our sesquicentennial in an era of population explosion and constant sprawling growth in the shadow of Pikes Peak.
The city will celebrate its anniversary in a big way this year, with a schedule of events, including a downtown party and parade on July 31 (pandemic allowing), and a new exhibit at the free museum. “COS@150” is a timeline of the city’s history told through 150 objects, including artifacts, documents, photos and other storytelling devices. Many of the objects have never been seen by the public.
Read the full article here.
