Garden of the Gods, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, was named by two surveyors in 1859. M.S. Beach and his friend Rufus Cable were exploring locations for a town site when they found this beautiful area of giant red-sandstone formations. Beach suggested that as the surrounding area grew it would make a great place for a beer garden. To this Rufus said “Beer Garden”, why it is a fit place for the Gods to assemble – we will call it Garden of the Gods”. In 1879, Charles Elliott Perkins, head of the Burlington Railroad, purchased 480 acres in the Garden of the Gods for a summer home, but in 1907 instead of building on the land, he decided to make it a public park so everyone could enjoy this natural wonder of nature. After his death in 1909, his children gave the property to the City of Colorado Springs “Where it shall remain free to the public, where no intoxicating liquors shall be manufactured, sold, or dispensed, where no building or structures shall be erected except those necessary to properly care for, protect, and maintain the area as a public park.” Colorado Springs continues to honor Mr. Perkins request. |
