Colorado Springs Vintage Homes Blog
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The Old North End in Colorado Springs — The History is rich
The History of the Old North End
Search for Historic Homes in Colorado Springs
The late 1880’s were difficult for Colorado Springs. It had stagnant growth and Colorado College fell on hard times. The Old North End appeared to be destined to only house prairie dogs and rattlesnakes with its open, grass-covered fields.
This was about to change as gold was discovered nearby. In 1890, a prospector by the name of Bob Womack found some gold by a stream called Cripple Creek. The great gold rush was on. By 1896, production soared. Most of these men who came and mined the area didn’t want to locate their families to such a rough area. They decided that Palmers “Little London” (aka Colorado Springs) would be a perfect place to build their homes and bring their families to.
Between 1890 and 1900 the population of Colorado Springs more than doubled and the quaint little prairie town experienced phenomenal residential growth. These men were newly wealthy and they didn’t want any house; oh no, they wanted mansions for the super rich and large homes for the new middle class. They wanted to show-off their wealth and so they bought many lots north of Colorado College and started building beautiful homes in what would become know as The Old North End. Many of them survive today, right down to the wide streets and large trees.
Most of these homes were built between 1890 and 1910 where Wood Ave became known as “Millionaires Row” and there was an abundant use of gables, large porches and Victorian influences that added to the ambiance of these fine homes in Colorado Springs. Schools and businesses were also built to give services to the new residents of Colorado Springs. Money was plentiful during this period and Colorado Springs had never seen such growth. Of course, it wouldn’t last forever but even after it was over in the early 1900’s Colorado Springs became a city where folks were proud to live and work in.
The Gold Rush of Cripple Creek also started a building Rush for homes in Colorado Springs!
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Related Articles:
- Cripple Creek Gold Rush and what it meant to Colorado Springs
- Winifred Scott Stratton…why Colorado Springs loves him
- Old Colorado City Commercial district…fun to visit and lots of history
- Old Colorado City Springs to Life with a Vigilante System of Government
- The Founder of Colorado Springs, William Jackson Palmer
To find out more information about buying a home in Colorado Springs, call ….
- Kathy (719-287-1049) KTorline@msn.com
Hello Kathy.
Great website and so helpful.
my wife santha and I are moving to CSC and would like ur help in finding a house. I think for now she is saying that she would prefer the Old North End. Only thing is she requires a large lot?? but less than 1 acre. Also limited budget of $300k. Tentatively, I will arrive in July and short list for her and my daughter who will arrive 1st week Aug. 2011. At this point we don’t need to worry about schools as we will be fully or semi retired. Maybe a mature garden, single story with basement. Two story ok if it has a room on ground floor for our old age…later not sooner..hahaha.
All I can think of for now, sure excited to be coming home, my hometown is Denver! Living in Singapore now.
cheers.
Manuel Patrick Sisneros
skype;machomerlion