How Old is Colorado Springs? Don't Worry, It Doesn't Ask About Yours
Ever looked at a mountain range and thought, "Dang, those things are old. I wonder how old the city at their feet is?" Well, if you're staring down Pikes Peak and Colorado Springs is nestled comfortably below, you've come to the right place! Today, we're diving into the not-so-dusty history of this vibrant city.
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| How Old Is Colorado Springs |
From Tiny Seedlings to Towering Skyscrapers (Well, Not Quite)
Colorado Springs isn't exactly a fossil, but it's definitely not a youngster, either. The city officially came onto the scene in 1871, founded by a Civil War hero with a grand vision (and a really cool name) - General William Jackson Palmer. That means as of today (well, July 21st, 2024, to be precise), Colorado Springs is clocking in at around 153 years old.
Hold on a sec, you might be saying, "There's gotta be more to the story than that!" And you'd be absolutely right, my friend. The land around Colorado Springs has been kicking around for much, much longer. We're talking millions of years of geological history here. But for the purposes of this crash course in Springs-agedness, let's stick to the human side of things.
A Tale of Two Cities (Technically, One Now)
There's a wrinkle in the time travel tapestry! While 1871 is the official founding date of Colorado Springs, the area actually has an even older neighbor: Old Colorado City. Established in 1859, this Wild West relic was the first permanent settlement in the Pikes Peak region. Think saloons, prospectors with pickaxes, and the general hustle and bustle of a gold rush town. In 1917, these two cities joined forces, creating the Colorado Springs we know and love today. So, depending on how you slice it, Colorado Springs either has one official birthday or a whole party week!
QuickTip: Focus on what feels most relevant.
Fun Fact: Old Colorado City is still around today, and it's a fantastic place to visit if you're looking for a taste of Colorado's frontier past. Think cute shops, historic buildings, and maybe even a ghost or two (if you believe in that sort of thing).
Frequently Asked Questions (Because We Know You're Curious)
Alright, alright, we know you've got some burning inquiries about Colorado Springs' age. Let's answer a few of the most common ones:
How do I celebrate Colorado Springs' birthday?
QuickTip: Scan quickly, then go deeper where needed.
The official birthday isn't a national holiday (yet!), but you can always visit the city and soak up its history. Or, grab a slice of cake and pretend you're celebrating with the whole town!
How old would Colorado Springs be if it were a person?
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This one involves a little math (but don't worry, it's easy!). The average human lifespan in the US is around 78 years old. Divide Colorado Springs' age (153 years) by the average lifespan, and you get roughly 1.95. So, Colorado Springs would be a sprightly teenager, full of energy and ready to explore the world!
QuickTip: Compare this post with what you already know.
How can I learn more about Colorado Springs' history?
There are tons of resources available! The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum is a great place to start, or you can check out some online resources like the city's website or local historical societies.
How old are the mountains around Colorado Springs?
QuickTip: Read section by section for better flow.
Way, way older than the city! We're talking millions of years old. Geology is a fascinating subject, but that's a whole other conversation.
How cool is Colorado Springs?
That, my friend, is a question you'll just have to come visit and find out for yourself!
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