Old Colorado City is a historic suburb with a wild side

Photo byAuthor

(Colorado Springs, CO) Old Colorado City, the first permanent town in the Pikes Peak Region, has evolved from its wild days of saloons and brothels to a charming historic suburb of Colorado Springs.

The historic district masterfully merges its rich heritage with contemporary life, seamlessly blending old and new.

Old Colorado City was established in 1859 and boomed when gold was discovered in Cripple Creek in the late 1800s. Miners and prospectors came to the town to buy supplies and drink alcohol, something they couldn't consume in "dry" Colorado Springs.

The city developed a reputation as a west wild town, with saloons, gambling, and brothels.

When families moved to the area, schools, churches, and a Carnegie library were built primarily on the north side of Colorado Avenue, the main drag.

The south side had the brothels and saloons.

Tunnels were built under Colorado Avenue so people could go from one side of the street to the other without being seen.

A photo of Prairie Dog O'Bryne and his elk in the Thunder & Buttons Restaurant and Bar in Old Colorado CityPhoto byAuthor

The rowdy town was the home of some wild characters, including Prairie Dog O'Bryne.

In the late 1800s, O’Bryne drove a carriage pulled by two elk named Thunder and Buttons. He would race the carriage up and down Colorado Avenue, bragging about how fast he could make it to Colorado Springs.

Today, the streets no longer have racing elk, and the saloons and brothels are restaurants and boutiques, but if you look closely, you can still see the city's wild side.

Learn more about the charming suburb at the Old Colorado City History Center and Museum (1 South 24th Street). The small, free museum has interesting historical displays and visitor information.

Go here for a video about Old Colorado City's past and present.