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What are my housing choices near Fort Carson?
Colorado Springs Military Relocation Tips
Must Read Posts: Relocating, it’s all about the schools
When relocating to Fort Carson, there are many neighborhoods to choose from including the Cheyenne Mountain area in southwest Colorado Springs, Fountain, Security/Widefield which are close to the base, and the Powers Corridor on the East Side of town. Commute times vary from 5-35 minutes from these areas.
Search for Homes for Sale Near Fort Carson
Fountain, Security/Widefield
Due to its close location to the base and an abundance of affordable housing, Fountain and Security/Widefield are one 
of the most popular choices for Fort Carson Relocation. Directly East from I-25 , Fountain is a vibrant growing community. Fountain is located 10 miles south of Colorado Springs and the Fountain Valley area also includes Security and Widefield; which are located in-between Colorado Springs and Fountain. Commute times to Fort Carson range from 5-20 minutes. Some of my favorite neighborhoods in the area are the Glen at Widefield, Windmill Mesa, and Clearview Estates.
Cheyenne Mountain in Southwest Colorado Springs
Cheyenne Mountain is on the southwest side of Colorado Springs, just north of Post. Part of the area is included in one of the most poplar school systems, District-12, Read the rest of this entry »
Colorado Springs rated in the top 10 on Forbes Best Places for Business and Careers
Colorado Springs Awards
Search for Homes in Colorado Springs
Congratulations Colorado Springs! You’ve been voted in at number ten for the Best Places for 
Business and Careers according to Forbes Magazine. In Colorado, we came in at number 10, while Ft. Collins came in at number 2. Two other city’s showed up in the top 20, Denver at number 14 and Boulder at number 20. Way to go Colorado!
North Carolina and Colorado are certainly winners here as they managed to capture ten of the top twenty on the list. There are plenty of mid-western cities on the list as well. Interesting was the lack of places in Read the rest of this entry »
NORAD is still alive and smaller under Cheyenne Mountain
NORAD
- After fierce competition Colorado Springs finally lands the Air Force Academy
- Military relocation? 6 tips to read before you buy a home
- An early history of Ft. Carson
- History of Ft. Carson part II
NORAD today, stills sits under the caverns of Cheyenne Mountain, even though its in a warm 
status. It may not be as large as it once was due to the consolidation of NORAD and Northcom now housed mainly at Peterson Air Force Base, but its still there protecting us from not just external but now internal threats with the help of the FAA.
In 1957, both Canada and the United States were reeling from the threats of the Soviet Union, especially after the launch of the first satellite, Sputnik. Everyone was scared and even schoolchildren were drilled on diving under their desks and covering their heads in case of a nuclear strike. Both countries realized the importance of a continental home alarm system. This lead to the creation of NORAD at Ent Air Force Base (now the Olympic Training Center). Read the rest of this entry »
33 Unique things to do- #7 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Cheyenne Mt. Zoo
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo sits above The Broadmoor Hotel at 6,800 feet up Cheyenne Mountain.
Spencer Penrose was originally given a bear and then other exotic animals became part of his collection. After a child was bitten, he decided he needed a place to house his menagerie and so he built and incorporated it in 1926. Over the years its delighted young and old alike. Want to feed giraffes? You can certainly do that here.
With its 172 species of wild animals, engaging exhibits and irresistible attractions, The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo serves the citizens and visitors of Colorado Springs Read the rest of this entry »
New help for Colorado homeowners facing foreclosure
f you are interested in a short sale, It’s important to utilize a Colorado Springs Real Estate Agent that specializes in Pre-foreclosures, Foreclosures, and Short Sales; and has a successful and ethical track record. Call Kathy Torline – Nordstrom, 719-287-1049.
Governor Ritter is expected to sign a new bill approved by the state Senate that will give 
homeowners facing foreclosure an 90 day window to try and work out a way to keep their homes. The bill would require the state to post a notice on the doors of foreclosed homes no later than 15 days after the foreclosure notice is delivered. The homeowner would then have five days to contact the state’s foreclosure hot line (1-877-601-hope) and set up an appointment with a foreclosure counselor. If the homeowners can prove they have income then the lender will be required to meet with them to try and work out a payment plan.
During the next 90 days, foreclosure proceedings would be suspended, although the homeowner would have to keep paying 2/3 of the mortgage payment. Mortgage brokers support the plan as they’re more interested in saving the investment than taking possession of the homes where it would show up as bad debt and that doesn’t help the lenders.
This new bill would certainly help many Colorado homeowners though not everyone would benefit. If the homeowner has no income due to a loss of a job, and they have no ability to repay the mortgage, there’s no help for them in this bill . The lenders are only required to meet with these homeowners, not come to an agreement with the owners, but many are willing to try, given all the foreclosed homes they’re carrying on their books.
Must Read posts:
If you enjoyed reading this article, why not Kathy (719-287-1049) KTorline@msn.com
New rules make condo buying harder
Colorado Springs Condos — just got harder to buy
Search for Condos in Colorado Springs
Fannie Mae has instituted new rules when it comes to giving loans for condos. If the building is brand new, they want to make sure there 
are enough owners to pay for maintenance and preserve the value of the property. These new rules are designed to protect the buyers and lenders but they could also make it harder for the owners to sell them.
Fannie Mae will only guarantee mortgages in new or newly converted condos if 70% of the units are sold or under contract. That 70% could be hard to reach if buyers cannot get financing. In older units, Fannie Mae will not guarantee a mortgage if more than 15% of the other owners are delinquent on the HOA fees.
Fannie Mae wants to reduce the risk for lenders and protect buyers from Read the rest of this entry »
Some Irish fun on St. Patrick’s Day in Colorado Springs
St. Patrick’s day celebrations
Like the warmth of the sun
And the light of the day, 
May the luck of the Irish
shine bright on your way.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to one and all! I’m thinking we’re all a little Irish today. Want to know of some places to hang your hat tonight and have a little bite and some great beer? Here’s a few suggestions that will bring out the Irish in all.
No Irishman will ever turn down a request to head to Jack Quinn’s, a nationally recognised pub and alehouse in downtown Colorado Springs. The restaurant offers a full menu of Irish fare along with all your favorite brews. Better get there early as they are full up most of the day.
In the mood for something a little more upscale? How about Mackensie’s Chop House located in the historic Alamo building. You can find some of the finest and freshest steaks and seafood Read the rest of this entry »
Honoring Colorado Springs founder on the 100th anniversary of his death
General William Jackson Palmer
Search for Historic Homes in Colorado Springs
For other information on the General check out these articles:
- The Founder of Colorado Springs, William Jackson Palmer
- The Young Years of Colorado Springs
- Tea and crumpets in Colorado Springs
- The End of an Era in Colorado Springs
Today marks the 100th anniversary of General William Jackson Palmer’s death. He died on March 13, 1909. He fell off a horse in 1906 and was paralyzed from then until his death. He wanted no fuss made about his death and his family had him cremated. He was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, but the town would not forget their favorite founder. They had a parade that went from Pikes Peak Ave. to the cemetery. Today, we still value his foresight on designing this beautiful city that we call home.
To honor his life, there are many activities being planned from now into next week. I hope you’ll take a look through and maybe plan on attending one or two of them. Read the rest of this entry »
Relocating to The Air Force Academy? Here’s some great info to make your move easier.
Moving to the Air Force Academy?
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
Are you preparing for a move to the Air Force Academy? If so, I hope you find these sites 
helpful. The Academy is celebrating its 50th graduation in May and it continues to educate young men and women for service with The United States Air Force. The Academy has approximately 4000 cadets and graduates about 1000 per year.
If you are moving here with your family, there are four housing areas located on the grounds of the Academy. You can also live off base where there is plenty of housing located in the northern part of Colorado Springs, Monument or Palmer Lake.
Anyone being transferred to the Academy is assigned a sponsor to make your transition easier, but here is some arrival information that will also help make your move go more smoothly.
If you have children of school age, they will be attending the award winning District 20 school system, Read the rest of this entry »
33 unique things to do in Colorado Springs — #4 Air Force Academy Chapel
Air Force Academy
- After fierce competition Colorado Springs finally lands the Air Force Academy
- An early history of Ft. Carson
- History of Ft. Carson part II
Located on the grounds of The United States Air Force Academy, sits Colorado’s top man-made tourist attraction. It’s the cadet chapel and along with the Academy itself was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2004.
It has 17 silvery spires, which are three dimensional, elongated triangles that sweep upward from the building. Stained glass bathes the interior in natural light. Some people complained in the 1960’s when it was completed that it “looked like upended fighter wings and that worshiping there was like going to church in a B-52″. The architect, Walter Netch, wanted the effect to convey the appearance of the great cathedrals of Europe, although done in the modern elements of Read the rest of this entry »
Mona Lisa Restaurant… a perfect romantic dinner
Mona List Restaurant in Colorado Springs
In the mood for a truly romantic getaway? Come to The Mona Lisa in Manitou Springs and you won’t be disappointed.
Mona Lisa is a fixture of West-Side Colorado Springs cuisine. The restaurant is in an old building with small rooms, creaky, crooked floors and steep stairs (check out the bathrooms where you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time about 100 years). It was originally built as a hotel in the late 1800’s. Old, signed wine bottles from previous guests line the walls and cubbies where a few of mine are there somewhere.
The food is magnificent. The four course meal includes salad; your choice of a regular salad, Caesar or their salad of the day (which when we went was a spinach with goat cheese, yummy), Read the rest of this entry »
Air Force Academy is finally built in Colorado Springs
Air Force Academy
- An early history of Ft. Carson
- After fierce competition Colorado Springs finally lands the Air Force Academy
- History of Ft. Carson part II
The Federal Government and the Air Force considered the Academy’s design extremely important. Air Force Secretary Talbott stated, ” We want our 
structures to be as efficient and as flexible in their design as the most modern projected aircraft.” The Air Force chose the nationally-recognized architectural firm of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill Associates (SOM) to make its vision for the Academy a reality.
Ground was finally broken in 1955 and as many as 5000 people were needed to build the largest single education facility ever built in the United States
The Academy had a new style of architecture that used glass, aluminum, steel, and concrete rather than traditional materials like stone, marble, or brick. The design sparked heated debate and severe criticism from citizens and politicians alike. Read the rest of this entry »
USDA has money to lend for home buyers in rural areas of Colorado!
Are you searching for a home in Colorado that’s perhaps a little out of the way? Perhaps an area like Peyton or Rush (even parts of the Springs may qualify). Do you have a good credit rating but lack a big down payment? (only requirement is $100 down). Perhaps you only make a small amount of the median income in the area, which might prevent you for qualifying for a conventional
USDA has MONEY to lend for home loans
loan. There’s help out there for you in the form of a USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) home loan! That’s right, the USDA has a home loan program geared to help people with a low to moderate income purchase homes in rural areas (you may also be surprised at what rural means). These loans are backed by the US government and unlike FHA loans, USDA loans do not require the borrower to qualify for monthly mortgage insurance premiums.
To see if you qualify based on the income limits, visit Colorado USDA office adjusted income limits which can provide you the limits based on the county that you want to purchase your home in.
USDA loans offer competitive rates and also allow seller concessions to be used towards closing costs. There’s no Read the rest of this entry »
New FHA limits increased again for 2009 in El Paso County
FHA has new loan limits
One of our favorite guest writers, Harry Venick sent me an email yesterday stating that the FHA has increased the loan limits for El Paso County!
According to Harry, “FHA loan limits have been increased for 2009 again: El Paso County $ 325,000(1unit ), $ 416,050 (2units), $502,900 (3units), and $ 625,000 (4units).”
Harry Venick is a Sr. Loan Officer with Adams Mortgage, LLC. He can be reached at (719) 955-3674 or his cell is: (719) 338-3879.
If you’ve been holding off because you haven’t been able to get a large enough loan with the FHA, it might be a great time to revisit Read the rest of this entry »
After fierce competition Colorado Springs finally lands the Air Force Academy
Air Force Academy History
Search for Homes in near the AFA in Colorado Springs
Must Read Posts:
After WWII, the Air Force decided that they needed their own military school. A board was formed in 1950 that recommended the Air Force Academy be established without delay and also proposed that no less than 40% of their officers be academy graduates
But where to put it? Many cities and towns were lobbying for it, as it would bring an economic boom to whomever finally was able to call it their own. Colorado Springs really wanted it. After the war, with the soldiers all leaving Ft. Carson, the Springs was noticing a decline in population which meant apartments, homes and stores were vacant. Colorado Springs formed a chamber of commerce committee. The committee was led by John Love (later a three term governor). It also included Thayer Tutt, Read the rest of this entry »
Charles Tutt, one of Colorado Springs Pioneers
Search for Historic Homes in Colorado Springs
I came across an article that stated the original Marion House Soup Kitchen located at 14 W. Bijou, once belonged to Charles and Josephine Tutt. The home was a three story victorian built about 1890. The Tutt’s and their heirs were pioneers here in Colorado Springs and I’ve often 
heard how important they were, but who exactly was Charles Tutt Senior, friend and business partner to Spencer Penrose?
Charles Leaming Tutt was born in Philadelphia and was a school friend of Spencer Penrose. His father died when he was twelve and he had to leave school to earn a living. He was always on the sickly side and therefore, decided to locate to Colorado Springs in 1884. He actually had a ranch in Black Forest until he met and married Josephine Thayer in 1887. She refused to live in the country, so Charles sold his ranch and moved into Colorado Springs and started a real estate and insurance business and occasionally trying to get rich in the gold mines. His offices were located at 14 E. Pikes Peak, which is now unimproved land. Apparently, at some point there was a building there which is now gone.
Tutt had purchased the COD mine in Cripple Creekbut until Spencer Penrose showed up to get it Read the rest of this entry »
Resources for building a Green Home
Green Homes
Search for Homes in Colorado Springs
Are you considering building the home of your dreams this year? The newest trend is to build green by using materials that are environmentally friendly, designing your space to use energy 
more efficiently, furnishing your home with Energy Star rated appliances, avoiding waste and using natural resources as much as possible.
There’s also the advantage of doing your bit to help the environment while cutting back on your own utility bills.
Here are a few websites that offer help while you’re in the planning stages of building green: Read the rest of this entry »
Fun stuff for Valentine’s Day in Colorado Springs
Valentine’s Day
With Valentines Day just around the corner, I thought you might like to know of some fun things to do or buy for the special someone in your life.
Want to have a special dinner and maybe a stay overnight? How about a night at The Broadmoor and then stay for one of their wonderful Sunday Brunches the next morning. What could be better than that? They even add chocolate and champagne at bedtime. Yummy!
Want a romantic dinner? How about trying the Briarhurst Manor where they are offering romantic dinners all week with a six course prix fix meal. They definitely spoil you there, so give them a call.
If dinner isn’t in your plans, don’t forget the flowers! We have one of the best floral shops around Read the rest of this entry »
Moving to Ft. Carson? Here’s some info for our new soldiers and their families
Moving to Ft. Carson soon?
Here are some helpful sites and info to make it as smooth as possible.
- look for the statue of Kit Carson also located by the main gate
Ft. Carson Army Base is also known as The Mountain Post and is located in the southwestern part of Colorado Springs. The main gate is located at I-25 and South Academy, though there are many gates to the base. The base extends past Fountain, where they are building a new improved gate (Gate 20) for all the new soldiers and their families who will be relocating here.
Quite a few of you will probably live on base and you might like to know what the housing it like. Feel free to check out the housing page. Don’t forget to check out the wonderful info located on the about page. If you plan on living off base and would like to purchase a home or get more info on the possibility of owning a home, please take a look at searching for homes.
Children on Ft. Carson attend Read the rest of this entry »
Make a difference in Colorado Springs on January 19,2009! King Day of Service
Make A Difference
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
A wonderful characteristic of the people of Colorado Springs is their willingness to serve others. Tomorrow, people of all ages and backgrounds will be donating their time and talent to benefit a great many churches, 
schools and other community nonprofit causes. These actions are critically important because volunteering today is a necessary aspect of meeting the many needs facing us and our country.
On Monday, January 19,2009; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day thousands of Americans across the country will commemorate his legacy through service, instead of just another Monday holiday. Will you help in Colorado Springs? You may ask yourself, how can I help? Check out this site to make a difference here in Colorado Springs. Read the rest of this entry »
Have fun and help out these Colorado Springs community organizations in February
Don’t want to be stuck indoors with nothing to do in the magical month of February. Well, mark your calendars now and you too, can have a ball (or at least attend one)!
On February 21, 2009, you can attend the 26th annual Heart Ball to assist The American Heart Association held at The Cheyenne Mountain Resort which promises to be an exciting evening of dining, dancing and a silent auction to help protect our loved ones against heart disease and stroke, through research and education. Be sure to mark your calendars and put on your best black-tie and gowns which will help make a difference in the lives of those touched by heart disease and stroke. For more information call Tonya McKenzie 719-244-9587.
Still wanting to do something else that weekend? How about attending Read the rest of this entry »
Tax Benefits of home ownership
Does our tax code have benefits for homeowners?
Lets look at renting vs. owning your own home.
For a free Buyers Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.
The amount of money a renter spends on rent can be about the same as the amount a homeowner spends on 
a mortgage. With the tax benefit for home owners, the savings for homeowners can be significant. Though, if something breaks or becomes faulty it will be the homeowners responsibility to repair or replace as they no longer have a landlord.
(1) One of the best known benefits of owning your home is the mortgage interest deduction. Homeowners are allowed to deduct the interest paid on their primary residence. If you have a home that you live in most of the year and also have a vacation home you can deduct the interest paid up to one million dollars. You can also deduct interest on home equity loans up to $100,000.
(2) If you’re a first time buyer, you can also qualify for the new $7500 Homebuyer tax credit. A first time buyer means you haven’t purchased a home in the past three years or have not lived in a home you’re paying a mortgage on. Unless Congress Read the rest of this entry »
Holidays are over, but there’s still plenty of events in Colorado Springs this week
Post Holiday events
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
The Christmas tree is dead and buried, the relatives are gone and you’re feeling a little blue thinking you’ll be stuck in your home until the weather warms. However, there’s still plenty to entertain you even if you don’t ski. Here’s a look at some interesting events to entertain you during our coldest month of the year.
Sunday 1/4/2009: “On All Fours” benefits one of Colorado Springs more interesting sports teams, The 
Pikes Peak Derby Dames which is a roller derby league (yes, the derby still exists). These 60 women are unpaid and have to raise funds to continue their hitting and skating. The benefit is at Phantom Canyon Brewery Co. from 6-10 pm and will feature the dames in a fashion show along with an art show of the Derby Dames during their games. Two comedians will also keep you laughing. All of this for only $25 which goes to support their traveling teams, costumes (yes, fishnet stockings are still worn), and the rental fees for City Auditorium where they play. Call 719-387-7212 for more info.
Monday 1/5/2009: Pioneers Museum is continuing the exhibit: Pikes Peak Or Bust which runs through September 5, 2009. As always its free. Read the rest of this entry »
Manitou Springs celebrates annual Fruitcake Toss to benefit Food Bank and end of holiday season
Fruitcake Toss
Search for Homes in Manitou Springs
Come one, come all to the 14th annual fruitcake toss held in Manitou Springs. The launch is set to begin at 9:30 am on January 3, 2009. So, come to Manitou Springs Memorial Park with your canned food entry fee (to be donated to the local food bank) and you too, can participate in getting rid of your unwanted fruitcakes.
Fruitcakes can be hurled, tossed or launched by a pneumatic device, the winner of each category actually wins a trophy. Who wouldn’t want one of these on the mantle? There are age classes as well, so do check out the rules. If you don’t have a fruitcake, you can rent one there. All fruitcakes must be edible (do you know anyone that REALLY eats them?). They must be visible to the Toss Tech Inspectors, though no one will actually taste test it (ugh!).
There are two weight categories, 2lb and the heavy division at 4 lbs. If your cake is underweight, it will be disqualified and if its too heavy it must be cut to the proper weight. Read the rest of this entry »
AdAmAn Club set to light off fireworks on Pikes Peak to celebrate 2009
AdAmAns Club
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
One of our areas most unique events is The AdAmAns Club annual trek up Pikes Peak to ring in the New Year. This year is no exception.
It all started in 1922. In December of that year, five Colorado Springs men decided that they didn’t want to attend anymore boring parties or dances to ring in the new year. They decided to do something never done before…climb Pikes Peak in the dead of winter!
The group consisted of five men, Fred and Ed Morath, Fred Barr, Willis Magee and Harry Standley. Fred and Ed were brothers who came up with this hare-brained idea. Fred Barr had just completed his trail from Manitou to the summit of the peak. He worked in the coal mines in the winter to gather the funds needed to build his trail. Harry Standley Was the photographer in the group who took many pictures of Cripple Creek during its heyday and also photographed all of Colorado’s 14,000 foot peaks. He not only photographed them, but climbed them as well. Willis was a banker but he was one that loved to take risks.
The weather was terrible that New Years Eve, but they were a determined bunch of friends. There really wasn’t much in the way of cold-weather gear back then. Read the rest of this entry »
HOHOHO, NORAD is following Santa from Colorado Springs
Norad follows Santa
For more than 50 years, NORAD(North American Aerospace Defense Command) has been following Santa’s trip around the world and you too, can log on and see where Santa is at any time as he leaves the North Pole and flies around the world delivering his most precious presents.
This site is opened until December 26 and is arguably the most viewed noncommercial site on December 24.
How did NORAD, who keeps as all safe from unexpected attacks, become the one place to view his trip? In 1955, NORAD got a call by accident, as Sears had put an ad in The Gazette that said do you want to talk to Santa? Call this number. It was one digit off from the NORAD number and a child called and instead of telling the child they had the wrong number, they told this child they would check the radar. A new tradition was born.
Today, with all the tracking abilities of NORAD, they can see his every stop. A Santa-tracking Web site was created and children from around the world can track his every move. Its even translated into seven languages, so even non-English speakers can understand the audio. There’s also activities and games that the kids Read the rest of this entry »
Winifred Scott Stratton…why Colorado Springs loves him
Winfred Scott Stratton
Search for Historic Homes in Colorado Springs
With Christmas fast approaching I was thinking about one of the city’s richest people who gave his wealth to the entire city, kind of like Colorado Springs’ own Santa Claus. What a man he was…his name? Winifred Scott Stratton and no one could have foreseen what he would mean to us when he showed up.
Winfield Scott Stratton arrived in Colorado Springs in 1872 and began working as a carpenter, a trade he learned in his father’s shipyards while a child. In 1874, after a brief encounter with silver mining Stratton decided to work as a carpenter during the winter months (some of these are still visible today, check out Grace Episcopal Church or Helen Hunt Jackson’s home now located in The Pioneer Museum ) and he prospected for gold and silver in the summers.
He spent the next 17 years searching for gold and silver in the mountains of Colorado. He even took some mineralogy and other classes at Colorado College and School of Mines. He was quite social at the time and even married, Read the rest of this entry »
Some free or inexpensive things to do this week in Colorado Springs
With just nine days left till Christmas, you may be wanting to find some fun things to do without spending much. Here’s a list of some of them that might interest you.
December 15 (and 16): Air Force Academy Band will be performing at the Pikes Peak Center. It starts at 7 pm and best of all, its free! Go to The World Arena, Pikes Peak Center or any of the ENT Federal Credit Unions for tickets. Its fun for the whole family.
December 17: Want to learn to dance? The downtown YMCA is hosting 4 weeks of ballroom dance lessons from 7:30-8:30. $85 per couple. You too, can be a magnificent dancer by New Years! Call 329-7242 for more info.
December 18: Sacklunch Serenade at The City Auditorium. Read the rest of this entry »
History of Ft. Carson part II
Fort Carson History
Search for Homes in Fort Carson
Please check out the part 1 post if you haven’t read: An early history of Ft. Carson
Part II starts in the early 1960’s and will go through 2004. I’ll deal with Ft. Carson today in another article that will also give some great websites if you’re being transferred here in the near future.
look for the statue of Kit Carson also located by the main gate
During the early 1960’s, Ft. Carson was home to only one major unit and was on McNamara’s list of potential base closings. This was not known at the time but the Cuban Missile Crisis and Berlin blockade was enough for the Army to reactivate two more divisions, including the 5th Infantry which formally reactivated in early 1962. The 5th was the Army’s first mechanized Infantry division to be organized. The problem was the need for land. Tanks need lots of room to roam and so in 1965, the base acquired almost 25,000 acres of state land (remember it was originally leased in 1942). They traded the land with some federal land owned at the time close to Lowry near Denver. Also, in 1965 and 1966 they purchased almost 79,000 acres south of the original base for around $3.5 million. All this brought Ft. Carson up to its current size of 138,523 acres, though Ft. Carson officials and the Army have recently been trying to acquire more land which has been met Read the rest of this entry »
An early history of Ft. Carson
Part one of the early history of Ft. Carson
Search for Homes in Colorado Springs
Must Read Articles:
- The Founder of Colorado Springs, William Jackson Palmer
- The Young Years of Colorado Springs
- Tea and crumpets in Colorado Springs
- The End of an Era in Colorado Springs
The history of Ft Carson started when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941; and the United States declared war on Japan which soon included all the Axis Powers. Officials in charge of selecting new sites for military installations went into immediate action, as they would soon have many new troops to train. Less than one month later it was announced that Colorado Springs had been selected as the site for an army camp. On February 22, 1942, Colorado Springs newspapers reported that the installation would be named Camp Carson in honor of Brigadier General Christopher “Kit” Carson, the famous frontiersman. The original military reservation consisted of 60,048 acres of land; some donated by the city of Colorado Springs, some purchased from private owners or acquired from the Department of Interior. The Army even leased some from the State of Colorado.
During World War II, a total of 104,165 soldiers trained at Camp Carson. More than 125 units were activated at Camp Carson and other units were transferred to the Mountain Post from other installations. The camp trained nurses, cooks, mule packers, tank battalions, and many other types of personnel. Toward the end of the war, after the departure of the divisions and established units, Camp Carson trained replacement troops as well. In late 1943, approximately 43,000 military personnel came here and were quickly trained so they could be sent overseas to do their part for the war. There were no facilities for dependents, so if a Read the rest of this entry »
Are you a pet owner trying to sell your home
Getting ready to sell your home?
Get a Free Market Analysis on your Home, Email KTorline@msn.com or call 719-287-1049
Must Read Articles
- Colorado Homeowners, don’t remodel until you read this!
- Should I take my home off the market during the holidays?
- Do you want your home in Colorado Springs to stand out from the competition?
- A tech savvy realtor can help sell your home
- It’s all about the home warranty
- What are closing costs in real estate?
You cleaned your home, priced it right and still no one wants to purchase. Second showings are rare. Do you have pets in your home?
Even though I understand the joy and delight that you glean from your pets, not all potential buyers will share the same joy. Fear, allergies or the feeling of uncleanliness could be factors when buyers are considering your home. The best thing you can do is to try and alleviate these factors. With so many homes for sale right now, anything that you can do to showcase your home in a better light could mean a faster sale. So here’s some tips that could help.
#1- have your carpets professionally cleaned especially where there’s high Read the rest of this entry »
VanBriggle Pottery set to move
Van Briggle
Newsflash! Van Briggle Pottery Company has sold the old Midland Roundhouse which they’ve occupied since leaving the downtown area last century has sold the building and hopes to let the public know in the next two weeks where they’ll be relocating. Stay tuned.
In the meantime, the old Midland Roundhouse , which is on the National Registry of Historic Places will be home to a very tough gym aimed at extreme sports enthusiasts. They also hope to put in some retail shops and will build some new entrances as well as some extensive renovations, including a new roof. Look for it to open sometime in 2009. Read the rest of this entry »
Should I take my home off the market during the holidays?
Take it off
Get a Free Market Analysis on your Home, Email KTorline@msn.com or call 719-287-1049
When you look at your calendar you may find the months already overloaded with seasonal obligations…shopping, entertaining, pageants, baking, decorating the house and so much more. If you’re also trying to sell your home in Colorado Springs, you are under extra pressure to keep your home in “Showtime” condition. That could be the last thing you need before the holiday spirit is broken.
To sell or not to sell during the holidays
It’s understandable why you would be tempted to take your home off the market during the holidays. And the list of justifications is long. If you are too busy, buyers may be also, and you may find your efforts unrewarded by enough showings. And what if you get an offer? You may be faced with the possibility of packing and moving during the busiest time of the year. Besides, you can give your a house a rest, and it will have better momentum after the holidays. Better to just pack it in and start fresh in January, right?
But wait! Most top Realtors agree that taking your home off the market during the holiday season is a mistake. The house surely isn’t going to sell while it’s off the market .What’s the advantage of that? So you’re busy. Let your Realtor do the work. You can leave in the morning, go to work, go shopping and let your Realtor take care of things!
The holidays are a wonderful selling season. Read the rest of this entry »
Restaurants to serve delicious Thanksgiving Feasts in Colorado Springs
Don’t want to clean your house and prepare a huge meal for Thanksgiving? How about a wonderful meal prepared for you. Here are some unique restaurants in Colorado Springs that are serving brunches and full meals to satisfy your hunger. No dishes, no leftovers to put away and you don’t have to get rid of the dust-bunnies.
The Broadmoor not only offers their wonderful food and service but they also have delightful packages to stay at the hotel at discounted prices.
Briarhurst Manor where you can get a wonderful meal in quaint Manitou Springs
Cheyenne Mountain Resort treat yourself to one of their famous Holiday Buffets where the classic beauty of the Main Lodge is even more beautiful at this special time of year
The Cliff House where there’s not only fine dining, but you can purchase the most expensive cocktail 
in the world (Love-tini)
Mimi’s Cafe I know this is a chain, but with their fresh food I thought it was worth putting into this article
Sunbird want your Thanksgiving meal eaten from above the clouds in Colorado Springs? Then check out this wonderful place
MacKenzies Chop House offering a special menu for the day
Antlers Grille offering a wonderful brunch located in The Antlers Hotel in downtown Colorado Springs
Edelweiss offering a traditional meal with chestnut dressing in this Colorado Springs institution
Front Range Bar-B-Que desiring a traditonal southern Thanksgiving feast? This is the place
Mozaic offering a wonderful buffet in Palmer Lake
Most of these need reservations, so do be sure and call ahead (some may be booked already, but put your name on the waiting list for cancelations)
So, enjoy your holiday and eat hearty! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!
Would you like some additonal information on local restaurants that we like? Call Kathy at 719-659-1087 or Nancy at 719-659-4380.
If you liked this entry you might also like some of these restaurant reviews:
Adam’s Mountain Cafe in Manitou Springs, a MUST for any visit to Manitou
Jose Muldoons…best margaritas in town
Front Range Barberque in Old Colorado City
Nosh in Colorado Springs… small plates offer artistic fun
Old Colorado City Commercial district…fun to visit and lots of history
Old Colorado City during the early years
Search for Homes in Colorado Springs
The commercial district of Old Colorado City, located on W. Pikes Peak Ave., dates to the turn of the century (20th that is) when it was quite productive and prosperous. Due to the closeness of the railroad yards and ore mills it became a transportation and gold processing center. The railroads brought lots of tourists as well, creating a thriving hospitality business.
The business district reflected this economy. You could buy dry goods, furniture groceries. There were also drugstores and meat markets. Many of these building’s brick facades were provided by The Stucco, Brick and Cement Company located in Old Colorado City. Many of the buildings also housed meeting rooms, business offices, dentists, doctors and lawyers in the upper floors.
There were no shortage of saloons asmore than a dozen were in operation to provide refreshments and recreation for the populace, tourists and Colorado Springs residents trying to escape the city’s liquor free atmosphere. Places like Hoffman House, Oxford Club, Arcade, Colorado City Beer Hall and Bucket of Blood where many of them had second floor dance halls and gambling dens. The Cucharras Street Red Light District was on the adjacent street where you could indulge in more racier recreation if desired. Liquor, gambling and prostitution was banned in 1913 though you could still indulge in the town of Ramona which was founded by the bar owners for only those purposes. These buildings were later razed and Thorndale Park now occupies part of that scarlet town site.
Colorado City was annexed to Colorado Springs during World War I and became a bedroom community , which is now known as the westside. Due to the waning of Cripple Creek an economic decline started in the 1910’s and lasted until the mid 1900’s. Several of the original buildings were updated to unflattering modern renovations and several burned to the ground. Traffic declined even further when Highway 24 opened in the 1960’s.
Finally in the 1970’s, the district underwent a revival, supported by the City of Colorado Springs. Many properties were restored to the turn of the century looks and even some compatible new buildings were constructed on the vacant lots. Today the district is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. As in yesteryear, today “Old Town’s” ambiance attracts Colorado Springs residents and tourists. There are lots of shops, restaurants and interesting storefronts. Wide sidewalks, shade trees and park benches allow folks to stop, shop, eat and stay awhile. Notice the cornices, patterned brickwork and other wonderful architectural features of these historic commercial buildings.
If you liked this article, try reading some of these:
- Cripple Creek Gold Rush and what it meant to Colorado Springs
- Old Colorado City Springs to Life with a Vigilante System of Government
- 33 Unique things to do-#5 Van Briggle Pottery and Museum
Kathy (719-287-1049) KTorline@msn.com
What makes Veterans Day different from Memorial Day?
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
Did you know that most Americans confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day? Both celebrate our Veterans but with one major difference. Veterans Day gives Americans the opportunity to celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of all U.S. veterans.
Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end 
of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. In legislation that was passed in 1938, November 11 was “dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day.’” As such, this new legal holiday honored World War I veterans.
In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress — at the urging of the veterans service organizations — amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting the word “Veterans.” With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, Nov. 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
Memorial Day honors service members who died in service Read the rest of this entry »
The Colorado State Flag
Have you ever wondered how we got our flag of Colorado? I was downtown the other day and saw it blowing in our breeze and it got me to wondering about it. We’ll here’s a little history on how our flag came about.
The Colorado State Flag was adopted by The Colorado State Legislature on June 5, 1911 after Colorado had been a state for about 40 years. It was designed by Andrew Carlisle Carson and modified twice over the years.
It has three stripes with the two outer ones in blue and the middle one in white. It has a big red C in the center with the C filled in with gold. It was also stipulated that the flag should have an attached cord of gold and silver intertwined with gold and silver tassels.
In 1929, The Colorado State Legislature issued a decree that the blue and red colors would be the same as the United States flag as apparently there was some disagreement on the actual colors. In 1964, they again addressed the flag as no one could figure out the size for the letter C. They specified the size and how far away from Read the rest of this entry »
33 Unique things to do-#5 Van Briggle Pottery and Museum
Van Briggle
For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
Located in the old Colorado Midland Roundhouse at 600 S. 21st. St. in Old Colorado City, the Van Briggle Showroom and Kilns are still producing this unique pottery, know the world over during the early 20th century. 
Van Briggle Pottery was a leading style of art pottery in the art and crafts movement of the early 20th century and was especially popular with Art Nouveau collectors.
Artus Van Briggle was born in Ohio in 1869. He studied art and worked at the Avon Pottery Company. He later went to Paris to study art. While there, he became interested in ancient Chinese glazes and when he returned to Ohio, started experimenting with similar glazes.
In 1899, he moved to Colorado Springs as he had contracted Tuberculosis while in Paris. He spent the rest of his life trying to perfect his Chinese Ming Matte glaze. Read the rest of this entry »
Pre-Qualification or Pre-Approval, which do you need to buy a home?
Pre-approval or Pre-qual?
For a free Buyers Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com
Colorado Springs home buyers should be pre-approved (or at least pre-qualified) for a home loan BEFORE looking at homes for sale.
Not only is it good for you, as you know how much you can afford according to the lender; but, its good for the seller as the buyer can include the “pre-qual” or “pre-approval” letter in with the contract which shows the seller that the buyer is serious enough to obtain the first steps in the lending process.
A Pre-Qualification for a loan is the 1st step toward home buying. It means that a lender has looked briefly at your credit score and income and determined that you have the potential to be approved for a loan. Read the rest of this entry »
Adam’s Mountain Cafe in Manitou Springs, a MUST for any visit to Manitou
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The other day, Kathy and I decided to go to Manitou Springs for some much needed R & R. While we were soaking in the scenery and taking pictures of the building and mineral water locations, we decided to stop in at Adam’s 
Mountain Cafe, located in the historic spa building, for lunch. Four mineral springs are within 50 yards of the café include the Cheyenne, the Navajo, the Wheeler and the soon to be operating Soda Spring.
Located in the heart of Manitou Springs, its definitely a favorite of the locals in both Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs. Its quirky decor of eclectic tables and chairs around floor to ceiling windows offers an unbelievable view. Its menu is Read the rest of this entry »
