Canon City Downtown Historic District
a.k.a. Canon City Downtown
Roughly Main St. from 3rd to 9th Sts. and Macon Ave., Canon City, CO Local significance of the district:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The first documented discovery of gold in Colorado was in 1858, when a group of prospectors found gold near present-day Denver. This discovery led to the Pike's Peak Gold Rush and a population boom in the area.
In the early 1800s, European explorers and fur trappers arrived in the area, drawn by the region's abundant natural resources. In 1806, explorer Zebulon Pike encountered the dramatic rock formations that would later be known as the Royal Gorge, a landmark that would play a significant role in the county's history.
The discovery of gold in the area in the mid-1800s sparked a gold rush, attracting a large number of miners to Fremont County. Towns such as Florence and Cañon City were established as mining camps and quickly grew into thriving communities. The mining industry brought prosperity to the region, with miners extracting not only gold but also silver, lead, and zinc.
As mining declined in the late 19th century, the county's economy diversified. Agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, became an important industry, and the region's fertile soils supported the growth of crops such as potatoes and alfalfa. In addition, Cañon City developed a reputation as a health resort, attracting tourists with its natural hot springs and scenic beauty.
Today, Fremont County continues to be a mix of rural and urban areas, with a strong focus on outdoor recreation, tourism, and correctional facilities. The county's rich history and stunning natural landscapes, including the Royal Gorge, make it a popular destination for visitors from near and far.
Fremont County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Fremont County, Colorado.
- 1800s: Fremont County, CO was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Ute, Arapaho, and Cheyenne.
- 1806: President Thomas Jefferson commissioned the famous explorers Lewis and Clark to explore the western territories, including Fremont County.
- 1840s: Fremont County was part of the Mexican territory until it became part of the United States after the Mexican-American War.
- 1862: Gold was discovered in the area, leading to a significant influx of miners and settlers.
- 1864: Fremont County officially organized as a county, named after John C. Frémont, an American explorer and politician.
- 1871: The town of Cañon City was established as the county seat of Fremont County.
- 1890s: Cañon City became known for its numerous prisons, including the Colorado Territorial Prison and the United States Penitentiary, attracting national attention.
- 20th century: Fremont County's economy shifted from mining to agriculture, tourism, and corrections, with continued growth in Cañon City.
- Present: Fremont County continues to be an area rich in natural beauty, history, and recreational opportunities.