[Pikes Peak hovers in view throughout El Paso County. Photo: David Shankbone] El Paso County, “The Texas of the Rockies,” is the most populous county in Colorado. The population was 622,263 in 2010, with 293 people per square mile. Its flagship city and county seat, Colorado Springs, is the second most populous city in Colorado, runner-up to Denver.
El Paso is home to several military sites, including the United States Air Force Academy, North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), Peterson Air Force Base, Schriever Air Force Base, and Fort Carson Army Base.
El Paso County map.
History
Before El Paso became one of the more famous military bases in Colorado, it was just a small settlement before. Founders Rufus Cable, Anthony Bott, and Melancthon Beach had renamed the town in the 1850s.
During the beginning, El Paso, Co. was home to farmers, ranchers, and outfitters. Yes, there was a mining rush, but not as big as the neighboring towns. They’re pretty much more low-key and organized.
Gold was discovered in 1858, and this prompted the town to create legislation and a local government. Many residents didn’t like being associated with the newly established governments of Kansas and Nebraska, and they went on to create their own “Territory of Jefferson.” That time, the El Paso County had formally included 12 counties in it. During President James Buchanan’s leadership, the Territory of Colorado was officially formed on Feb. 28, 1861, and El Paso has become one of Colorado’s first 17 counties.
El Paso then grew as the Colorado Midland Railroad was established in 1886. This gave the neighboring towns an opportunity to visit and to do trade. By 1887, Glass Works was built in El Paso, and the production of bottles for the Manitou mineral water has become the livelihood of many. Then, the townspeople struck gold during 1891 at the Cripple Creek.
Though the county has been a successful gold mine, people eventually flew all over Colorado to explore different areas. The economics and business in El Paso could be a few of the reasons why some fled. El Paso County is home to both Army and Air Force bases, which cover a lot of the employment in the area.
Still, even with limited industries, tourists always enjoy El Paso and its ode to its old mining history. When visiting El Paso Co., make sure to check out Blodgett Peak, Briarhurst, Garden of the Gods Trading Post, Manitou Cliff Dwellings and the amazing Seven Falls.
Visit the El Paso County Government website.
County Towns
- Calhan
- Cascade
- Chipita Park
- Colorado Springs
- Fort Carson
- Fountain
- Green Mountain Falls
- Manitou Springs
- Monument
- Old Colorado City
- Palmer Lake
- Ramah
Adjacent Counties
- Crowley – southeast
- Douglas – north
- Elbert – northeast
- Fremont – west
- Lincoln – east
- Pueblo – south
- Teller – west
Special Events
- Feb – CSCCI Chinese New Year Festival in Colorado Springs
- Mar – Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-Off in Manitou Springs
- Jun – Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Cascade
- Jul – Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo in Colorado Springs
- Jul – Springs Beer Fest in Colorado Springs
- Jul – Bronc Day in Green Mountain Falls
- Aug – Pickin’ On The Divide Bluegrass Festival in Monument
- Aug – Steers and Beers Whiskey and Beer Festival in Colorado Springs
- Oct – Emma Crawford Coffin Race & Parade in Manitou Springs
- Nov – All Colorado Beer Festival in Colorado Springs
El Paso County Justice Complex in Colorado Springs. Photo: David Shankbone
Former El Paso County Courthouse in Colorado Springs. Photo: Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Popular Posts
9 Ski Resorts Closest to Colorado Springs – Unlike Denver, Colorado Springs isn’t really known for its easy access to world class ski resorts. However, the 2nd most populated city in Colorado still boasts a number of ski resorts all within a two and half hour drive. Back…
10 Creepy Real Stories That Happened in Colorado – At first glance, Colorado doesn’t look like a particularly scary place. Whether you’re stuck in Denver traffic or enjoying a weekend skiing in the mountains, nothing overt about the Centennial State makes it odd…
7 Best Malls & Shopping Centers in Colorado Springs – Are you in the mood for a little bit of retail therapy in the shadow of Pike’s Peak? If you’re looking for some of the widest variety of scenic shopping centers in southern Colorado, you’ll fall in love with the selection…
7 Art Galleries in Colorado Springs You Won’t Want to Miss – One of the most overlooked aspects of Colorado Springs’ charm is the warm presence of its amazing art galleries throughout the city. The downtown area is especially loaded with friendly…
A Handful of The Springs’ Marvelous Museums – The amount of history and culture packed into Colorado Springs might surprise even long-time residents. It’s no wonder–the area was first settled in 1871 and has grown substantially in the almost two centuries…
5 Offbeat & 5 Onbeat Colorado Springs Area Attractions – Colorado Springs sprawls over two hundred square miles in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, the face of Pikes Peak watching over the city from above. There’s so much more to its beauty and authenticity…
5 Spectacular State Parks near Colorado Springs – No matter how you like to take in the great outdoors, from conquering a mountain to a pleasant lakeside family picnic, there’s a Colorado state park that fits the bill. The state’s second largest city, Colorado…
Colorado’s Top Creative Districts for the Arts – Colorado has plenty to offer adventure seekers, outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and yes even the art buff. While the state is known for its 300 days of sunshine, epic powder, and scenic mountains; it is also…
Tent & RV Camping around Colorado Springs Area – With all of the major tourist attractions around Colorado Springs, it’s probably wise spending a night or two near town to see it all. While there are dozens of awesome accommodations to choose from…
Top 13 Cool Hotels in Manitou Springs – Manitou Springs is a fun, eccentric town situated at the base of Pikes Peak. With this 14,000 foot playground in its backyard, Manitou boasts a range of top hotels and luxury vacation rentals to accommodate…
Colorado Springs’ Top 4 Coworking Spaces – Colorado Springs’ bustling tech scene is growing and ranked among the best in the country. Like other town techs, it’s home to a number of top coworking spaces, aimed at helping the location flexible remote worker…
Refuel Your Mind Body & Soul at the SCP Hotel – It’s no wonder that with the rise of eco-consciousness in the hospitality industry and guests seeking sustainable, authentic, and holistic experiences from their hotel stays, that the concept of SCP was born. Soul…
Top 3 Cool Hotels in Monument – Experience the Tri-Lake area here in Monument. The calm and quaint town of Monument is located twenty miles north of Colorado Springs, and fifty miles south from Denver on I-25. It has numerous hotels…
Common House Styles in Colorado Springs – Colorado Springs has garnered the reputation of being one of the most beautiful cities in the United States. A primary reason for this accolade is the incomparable geographic location of the city, nestled next to the Rocky…
Wondrous Winter Road Trips In Colorado – Road tripping is an American pastime, and road tripping in Colorado should be too. Year round its seasons are changing, providing unique opportunities for cross-state travel. The winter brings with it some of the lightest…
Explore one of Colorado’s Most Colorful Places at Paint Mines Interpretive Park – While most people think you have to head west, high into the Rockies, to see some of Colorado’s most beautiful sites, well not exactly. Near the west edge of the Great…
9 Cool Colorado Springs Date Night Ideas – Colorado Springs is a beautiful city by day and a magical time at night. There is plenty to do in the second largest city of the state. The city caters wonderfully to daytime dates, with attractions geared towards outdoor…
10 Reasons to Move to Colorado Springs – Colorado Springs is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking cities in the U.S. From majestic mountains to beautiful weather, Colorado Springs is truly a gem of a city. The Springs is also relatively close to Denver…
Exploring the Springs’ Garden of the Gods – Colorado is known for being a winter destination, but there’s more to the state than epic ski slopes. Explorers, skiers, and snow-lovers in general flock to the state during…
5 Dazzling Hikes around Colorado Springs
– The natural beauty of Colorado Springs invited explorers to the base of Pike’s Peak in the early 1800s, and it has been a hub for those who relish the outdoors ever since. Hikers rejoice in the many, many trails…
Up, Up, Up Pikes Peak Highway – Any trip to Colorado Springs would not be complete without a visit to Pikes Peak. The road was constructed in 1915 and has been a world-renowned attraction since. An earlier road, the Pike’s Peak Carriage Road…
Riding High along the Pikes Peak Cog Railway – All good things must eventually come to an end. With snowpack at most of the Colorado mountains dwindling on non-existent; the ski season is nearly over at almost all of the resorts. In this unfortunate winter…
