History of Pikes Peak Mountain in Colorado, facts on the founder Zebulon Pike, Cog Railway, and Katherine Lee Bates, who wrote "˜America the Beautiful'
Standing 14,110 above sea level, Pikes Peak mountain, overlooking Colorado Springs, Colorado, is a must see stop when visiting this beautiful state. While statistics say that nearly six million people visit the area yearly; you will feel as if you are the only one that has been granted what is surely one of the best views in the world when you reach the summit. Katherine Lee Bates was so inspired by the view, that the result was her writing the famous "˜America the Beautiful'.
Just what choices are there to get you to the top? You will be happy to know that the options are much more accommodating than they were in the mid 1800's. At that time, the favored transportation was by mule! Thankfully for the present day traveler, the Cog Railway, still in operation today, is employed as a much quicker and comfortable route to the top than on the back of a beast of burden. The trip to the top is only 8.9 miles long via the track, but due to steep grades and factors with the train, the trip takes over three hours. Construction of the railway was started in 1889, but the first train for the average traveler did not reach the top until June 30, 1891. The passengers are said to have been a church choir out of Denver. Earlier attempts for the train to reach the summit were delayed by late snowfalls that spring, and resulting rockslides. To this day, snow and rockslides are major factors in the opening of the track each year. The other alternative way to reach the top is by car, as a highway now goes all the way to the summit, where a restaurant and gift shop awaits all travelers.
Many people know that the mountain received its name from one "˜Zebulon M. Pike', a lieutenant of the United States Army at the time. When he and his men were on a fact-finding mission in the year of 1806 of the Spanish territory, they came upon the great mountain. They are believed to be the first white men to ever see the mountain. Some people say that they attempted to scale the grand monument, but they were met with defeat. Others say that the group he led never even came within a hundred miles of the mountain base. What we do know is that the mountain would come into our history bearing the name of a great leader, one who would go on and achieve the title of General, but who would never reach the summit of the mountain that carried his name. He died a brave death in the year of 1813, in the War of 1812's attack on York.
The slogan of "˜Pikes Peak or Bust' still holds true for many travelers today, though not in the same frenzy that it did when the phrase was coined. When the gold fever of 1858 sprung up, the resulting movement of settlers to the area for its supply of gold helped found towns all around the mountain. Some of these towns included the likes of Manitou Springs, Victor, and the recently revamped town of Cripple Creek, which is now known as one of the top tourists town in Colorado, gambling included!
If you are lucky enough to live in Colorado, or travel through this awe inspiring state, make sure that Pikes Peak is at the top of your list of must see sites. You will not regret the choice!
