Canon City, CO- Home of the Royal Gorge
A Brief History of Canon City Colorado
Story by Kathryn Retzler from http://www.canoncitycolorado.com
Much of Cañon City’s downtown was built between 1899 and 1910.
It was during that time that the gold
and silver barons infused the city with their newfound wealth from the nearby mining “camps”
of Leadville and Cripple Creek.
While these towns were still booming,
many of Colorado’s high country mining towns had peaked and were suffering the disastrous effects
of the Silver Panic of 1893, after which US currency was no longer based on silver. In its place,
gold became king.
Gilded by its discovery, especially in nearby Cripple Creek, Cañon City quickly prospered.
Men were becoming rich and sought a place to display their new wealth. Brothels and
gaming halls aside, the mining camps, plagued by fire and cold weather,
were not the most habitable places to live or raise a family.
The riches flowed downhill, and Cañon City was an ideal repository.
Served by three railroads—Denver & Rio Grande (connecting to Leadville via
the Royal Gorge), the Santa Fe, and The Florence and Cripple Creek, Cañon
was a natural transition point and a gateway to interstate commerce.
Geographically, it was a pleasant place to build and to live.
The Arkansas River valley provided plenty of food and natural resources.
The lower elevation and location away from the windswept great plains meant a temperate climate—
a fact the Indians had long appreciated. And, unlike its industrial neighbors, Denver and
Pueblo, Cañon sported clear skies.
The gold barons became land barons as well, and dumped their wealth into real estate.
A prime lot could be had for less than $1,000! Impressive brick buildings soon lined a bustling Main Street.
Ornate homes proliferated. Business and service providers followed, and they, too, quickly prospered.
Cañon City still prospers today, although the gold mines are mostly gone, and the railroad,
now the Royal Gorge Route, carries visitors instead of miners and mining supplies.
Downtown Cañon City hasn’t changed much over the last century.
It is still filled with elegant brick buildings, many of them named after the town’s founding fathers.
Welcome to Canon City Colorado!
Historic Royal Gorge Route - Areas Most popular destination attraction- from www.canoncitycolorado.com
Welcome to Cañon City, Colorado - home of the scenic and historic Royal Gorge Route Railroad,
considered the most spectacular scenic railroad in the world and
the best way to experience the Royal Gorge.
The train provides the only access through the Royal Gorge (other than a raft!)
offering a breathtaking Colorado nature show. Visitors can now experience the Royal Gorge
in one of the 3 - 1950's vintage Vista Dome cars providing panoramic views of the Royal Gorge
in comfortable, glass topped domes. The Royal Gorge Route has the largest collection
of domes in the lower 48!
The railroad is over 127 years old and traverses the spectacular Royal Gorge on an
amazing two-hour rail journey that takes you on an unforgettable trip through this magnificent chasm.
The train is one of Colorado's historic gems perfect for visitors who appreciate a quality experience.
The train is running every weekend with daily service resuming May 26th.
The train departs from the Santa FeDepot in Canon City.
View the video of the train from Colorado Getaways from Channel 4 featuring the royal Gorge Route.
Choose from Coach, Parlor, Vista Dome, Lunch, Dinner, Murder Mystery or Winemaker's Dinner Trains.
If you would like the Royal Gorge Visitor Guide mailed prior to your arrival,
Order your Royal Gorge Visitor Guide Now.
Thats me and my friend Peter on the right side of the boat
We had a great time with Terry at River Runners
1-800-raft w-us
Riverrunnersltd.com
|
This Page is sponsored by:
Want to Own a Colorado Dream????
Southern Colorado Land For Sale
Call Jerry 719-846-2320
www.CJSMTNPARADISE.com
Spanish Peaks Land Company
|
This site is for information only and all information is considered correct but not confirmed
and may change without notice
All images and text marked are the property of Livinginsoutherncolorado.com copyright 2007-2009
unless otherwise noted
The information and suggestions included in the site are those of Livinginsoutherncolorado.com
we are not responsible for any negative experiences you may have or mishaps during any recreation activity within.
All Rights Reserved
|
|
|
