Pueblo, Colorado has been around since George Simpson and Matthew Kinkead helped construct the plaza that became known as Fort Pueblo, in 1842. Starting out with only a dozen or so families, it grew to become the economic hub of the southwest and boasts some very famous native sons, such as Damon Runyeon. Historical figures have lived in Pueblo, with Bat Masterson once a Marshall here! Nicknamed the “Home of Heroes,” for having the most per capita medal winners, Pueblo has grown, even in spite of the 1921 flood that destroyed almost one third of the businesses. It regained its footing to become known as one of the most famous producers of steel in the United States and even when the bottom fell out of the steel market, they perservered. It was a struggle, but Pueblo did flourish. Heroes, indeed. It’s not alone though and Pueblo West, a planned community founded in 1969 has carved out its own name for itself, boasting a population of over 32,000 with its own sites and events to see. With an average daily temperature of 68 degrees, Pueblo West is a Mecca for sight seers, surrounded by Pikes Peak to the north and Spanish Peak to the south, With Lake Pueblo right there, water sports are a popular pass time and even those who prefer other things to do on dry land, the sight of the lake makes it worth the trip for them! For the person who prefers dry land though, there is the Desert Hawk Golf Course. Newly renovated, 18 holes of golf are just waiting for someone to come play! If you visit, bring your clubs, because there’s always someone looking to partner for a few rounds. If you want to do something a little more fast paced, like swim or shoot hoops, one of Pueblo West’s parks is just waiting for you. There’s even a park that is exclusively tennis courts, lit up for you to play after work! Bikes trails call your name, whether its after work or the weekend, so you can enjoy the beautiful scenery up close and personal, taking in the colors of the mountains and the scenic beauty of a Colorado sunset. Bring a friend and a picnic basket and you’re ready to lay out a blanket and have a look at what has been called one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. Lake Pueblo has attractions for families and the pursuit of recreation with boat launches, boat rentals and great gift shop, as well as canoeing, fishing and hiking and if you bring Spot’s leash, he can come too! There’s shopping nearby, if someone would like a little bit of alone time, so don’t forget to check those out. Once you’ve satisfied your urge to shop or golf that day and its time to get to the business of finding a home, contact your realtor and let them know what you’re looking for, they can help. Ask them about the local schools here that are all uniquely prepared to help educate your children while preparing them for life at the University of Colorado, Pueblo whether you’re waving them off to pre-school, K-9 or high school. Whether you’re visiting friends and checking out Pueblo West, or settling in to take your career to the next level, this planned community is a unique area that can cater to your every need. Greater Pueblo is close by to let you take advantage of big city amenities like a municipal airport, without giving up the feel of a small town where people who haven’t met aren’t strangers, just new neighbors. Join us in Pueblo West, you’ll love it here!
History
George Simpson, among other traders and trappers such as Mathew Kinkead, claimed to have helped construct the plaza that became known as El Pueblo or Fort Pueblo around 1842. George married Juana Maria Suaso and lived there for a year or two before moving; however, Simpson had no legal title to the land. The adobe structures were built with the intention of settlement and trade next to the Arkansas River, which then formed the U.S./Mexico border. About a dozen families lived there, trading with Native American tribes for hides, skins, livestock, as well as (later) cultivated plants, and liquor. Evidence of this trade, as well as other utilitarian goods, such as Native American pottery shards were found at the recently excavated site. According to accounts of residents who traded at the plaza (including that of George Simpson), the fort was raided sometime between December 23 and December 25, 1854, by Native American Ute Tribe and Jacarilla Apache tribes. They allegedly killed between fifteen and nineteen men, one woman, and captured two children. The trading post was abandoned after the raid, but it became important again between 1858 and 1859 during the Colorado Gold Rush of 1859. The current city of Pueblo represents the consolidation of four towns: Pueblo (incorporated 1870), South Pueblo (incorporated 1873), Central Pueblo (incorporated 1882), and Bessemer (incorporated 1886). Pueblo, South Pueblo, and Central Pueblo legally consolidated as the City of Pueblo between March 9 and April 6, 1886. Bessemer joined Pueblo in 1894. The consolidated city was once a major economic and social center of Colorado, and was home to important early Colorado families the Thatchers, Ormans and Adams. Until a series of major floods culminated in the Great Flood of 1921, Pueblo was considered the 'Saddle-Making capital of the World'. Roughly one-third of Pueblo's downtown businesses were lost in this flood, along with a substantial number of buildings. Pueblo has long struggled to come to grips with this loss, and has only recently begun a resurgence in growth. The economic situation of Pueblo was further exacerbated by the decline of American steel in the 1970s and 1980s, and Pueblo still actively seeks to diversify its economic base. The City features a river walk, extensive trail system, industrial park, and revitalized downtown area to this effect. The steel mill
Of the many production and fabrication mills which once existed on the site, only the steel production (electric furnaces, used for scrap recycling), rail, rod, bar, and seamless tube mills are still in operation. The wire mill was sold in the late 1990s to Davis Wire, which still produces products such as fence and nails under the CF&I brand name. The facility operated blast furnaces until 1982, when the bottom fell out of the steel market. The main blast furnace structures were torn down in 1989, but due to asbestos content, many of the adjacent stoves still remain. The stoves and foundations for some of the furnaces can be easily seen from Interstate 25, which runs parallel to the plant's west boundary. Several of the administration buildings, including the main office building, dispensary, and tunnel gatehouse were purchased in 2003 by the Bessemer Historical Society. They are currently undergoing renovation. In addition to housing the historic CF&I Archives, the first phase of the project has been turned into the Steelworks Museum of Industry and Culture. Presidential visits
Theodore Roosevelt arrived at the Pueblo Union Depot in order to lay the first brick down for the Y.M.C.A., and also check the water resources in Colorado. President George H. W. Bush (when he was Vice President) visited the Pueblo Nature Center's Raptor Center to release an American Bald Eagle that had its wings healed. Other national leaders to visit Pueblo include President John F. Kennedy, President Bill Clinton, Senator John Kerry, and Vice President Al Gore. In the 2008 presidential campaign, both major party candidates, Barack Obama and John McCain, visited Pueblo as part of their campaign. Colorado was considered a key swing state in that election, with Obama becoming the first Democratic candidate in 16 years to win the state. The State Hospital
Attractions
Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum
The Pueblo Zoo
Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo
Pueblo Choral Society
Annual Calendar
Parks
The Pueblo West Metropolitan District (PWMD) created the Parks and Recreation Department in 1972. The District currently offers the community a wide variety of programs ranging from youth and adult sports, summer programs, to educational classes for all ages. Some of the more popular classes offered are Kids Creative Dance, Karate, swim lessons, children's Summer Activity camps, and Summer tennis lessons. PWMD owns and maintains a total of four parks (26.5 acres), offering amenities such as picnic tables, playgrounds, ballfields, open greenbelt areas and a pool. Besides the programs and activities, Pueblo West itself features a wide variety of outdoor activities. Based upon current land utilization studies, the natural terrain of Pueblo West will accommodate about 65 miles of equestrian trails. Pueblo West has a total of 45.25 acres of parkland, 30.25 acres of which are developed. Of this, one site, Lovell Park (21 acres), is a community park. Two sites, Pixie Park (6.57 acres; less that 2 acres developed) and Golden Guardian Cultural Park (12 acres; 2 acres developed) are smaller neighborhood parks with limited amenities. One site, the Memorial Recreation Building Park (1.75 acres), is a mini or "pocket" park. Desert Hawk Golf Course, an 18-hole par 36 facility owned by the County of Pueblo, also resides within PWMD. Also near the golf course is Cattail Crossing, a 3.75 acre fishing pond for youth ages 15 and under and persons with disabilities. RECREATION
In addition to the availability of recreation land and facilities around the Pueblo Dam and Reservoir, Pueblo West itself features a wide variety of outdoor activities. Approximately 4,600 acres have been reserved for equestrian trails, neighborhood parks, playgrounds and open greenbelt areas. Based upon current land utilization studies, the natural terrain of Pueblo West will accommodate approximately 65 miles of equestrian trails. 21-acre Lovell Park on Hahns Peak and Hanover Drive includes a 25-meter-long, 13-meter-wide heated outdoor swimming pool, 2 lighted ball fields, soccer fields, horseshoe pits, a paved basketball court, a sand volleyball court, an equipped playground for children, two lighted tennis courts, and picnic pavilion with stage, barbecue facilities and public restrooms. Desert Hawk Golf Course at Pueblo West is a top attraction, and includes a driving range and pro-shop. An equestrian center is located on a 30-acre site with stables, hay storage and barn facilities, and is privately owned. North of Highway 50 there is the National Horseman's arena with 49 acres, also offering stables, hay storage and barn facilities. This facility also has a campground and tavern, and is privately owned.
|
Articles & Links
- Pueblo is one of the Cheapest Places to Live!
- Pueblo's Best Coffee!
- American Society of Home Inspectors
- Pueblo Photos
- A Guide to Mold
- Pueblo County Official Site
- City of Pueblo
- Pueblo Colorado Business & City Directory
- Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce
- Colorado State University - Pueblo
- Pueblo Community College
- Pueblo School District 60
- Pueblo School District 70
- Pueblo Chieftain Newspaper
- Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo
- Pueblo Zoo
- Beulah Colorado Online
- Colorado Division of Wildlife
- Colorado State Parks
- Pueblo Virtual Tours
