Suzie Anton

Pueblo, CO Area Guide

Pueblo is a Home Rule Municipality that is the county seat and the most populous city of Pueblo County, Colorado. The population was estimated to be 105,000 in 2008.

Pueblo is situated at the confluence of the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek 103 miles south of Denver. Pueblo is the heart of the Pueblo Metropolitan Statistical Area. Pueblo is one of the largest steel-producing cities in the United States, and because of this Pueblo is referred to as the âSteel City.â Until 1960 Pueblo was the second largest city in Colorado, and earned the title of âSecond City.â Pueblo is also known as âAmerica's Home of Heroesâ, as was proclaimed by the United States Congress in 1993. Pueblo hosts National Medal of Honor Day and has had as many as four living Medal of Honor recipients living in the Pueblo community.

History

George Simpson, among other traders and trappers such as Mathew Kinkead, claimed to have helped construct the plaza that became known as El Pueblo around 1842. George lived there for a year or two; however, Simpson had no legal title to the land. The adobe structures were built with the intention of settlement and trade next to the Arkansas River, which then formed the U.S./Mexico border. About a dozen families lived there, trading with Native American tribes for hides, skins, livestock, as well as cultivated plants and liquor. According to accounts of residents who traded at the plaza, the fort was raided sometime between December 23 and December 25, 1854, by Native American Ute Tribe and Jacarilla Apache tribes. The trading post was abandoned after the raid, but it became important again between 1858 and 1859 during the Colorado Gold Rush of 1859.

Until a series of major floods culminated in the Great Flood of 1921, Pueblo was considered the âSaddle-Making capital of the Worldâ. Roughly one-third of Pueblo's downtown businesses were lost in this flood, along with a substantial number of buildings. Pueblo has long struggled to come to grips with this loss, and has only recently begun resurgence in growth.

The economic situation of Pueblo was further exacerbated by the decline of American steel in the 1970s and 1980s, and Pueblo still actively seeks to diversify its economic base.

The current city of Pueblo represents the consolidation of four towns: Pueblo, South Pueblo, Central Pueblo and Bessemer. Pueblo, South Pueblo, and Central Pueblo legally consolidated as the City of Pueblo between March 9 and April 6, 1886. Bessemer joined Pueblo in 1894.

Parks and Recreation

Colorado State Parks offer exceptional settings for the enjoyment of the outdoors. Residents and visitors enjoy healthy, fun-filled interaction with the world in Coloradoâs natural resources. Parks employees and their partners work together to provide ongoing and outstanding customer service through recreational programs, amenities and services.

There are over 4,000 campsites and 58 cabins throughout Colorado. From the outdoor enthusiast to the family looking for a relaxing weekend, the perfect escape is here in Colorado waiting for you.

For more details on Area Parks and Recreation, please visit:

http://www.pueblo.us

Attractions and Activities

The Pueblo area is home to many exciting attractions that you can enjoy throughout the year. From the great outdoors to museums and animals, there is something that everyone can enjoy here in Pueblo.

Buell Childrenâs Museum
The Buell Childrenâs Museum is a 12,000 square-foot, two-level facility that offers innovative, hands-on exhibits focusing on the arts, science and history for people of all ages. The Reilly Family Gallery offers hands-on exhibitions. Sensations is a high-tech, multi-sensory exhibit in which visitors activate lights, sound clips and video by pressing fifty separate sensors located on the floors and walls. In the El Pomar Magic Carpet Theater visitors may watch a program on the cutting-edge projection equipment or take over the stage and star in their own theatrical production. In the Artrageous Studio, visitors create personal masterpieces using paper, ribbon, Mylar and other materials.

Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum
The Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum is located on the grounds of the Pueblo Memorial Airport. The Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum offers an informative look into the aviation history of Pueblo. Some of the features and activities offered include, aircraft computer simulators, aircraft related games and model rocket building.

Pueblo Railway Museum
The Pueblo Railway Museum is a historical museum that specializes in the period from 1900 to 1950 and the railroads which served Colorado. View the yard with full-sized steam and diesel locomotives and cars which can be toured. Interpretive guides are available.

Pueblo Zoo
The Pueblo Zoo is home to over 300 animals, including mammals, reptiles, birds and more. Come out and bring your kids for a great day of fun and learning!

Events

Pueblo is home to many exciting events that are sure to keep you and your family busy all year long. The area has it all, from music, food, sports, art and much more. Come check out all that Pueblo has to offer you!

Pueblo Medal of Honor Wild West Golf Fest
This first time event is an invitational fundraiser held to honor veterans, raise money for the Pueblo Medal of Honor Foundation, and draw attention to the Wild Wild West Festival in Pueblo, Friday May 14, 2010. 36 teams will play in a 5-person scramble beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Pueblo Country Club. Pueblo Medal of Honor recipient Drew Dix will be in the tournament and each team will have as their guest a specially selected returning Iraq or Afghanistan war veteran from Ft. Carson.

Drag Racing at Pueblo Motorsports Park
Bracket drag racing and special events at Pueblo Motorsports Park is the place to be for smoke and thunder. Be there as Colorado drag racers take on each other in this exciting event.

Rollin' on the Riverwalk
Rollinâ on the Riverwalk is an annual concert that joins the Pueblo Symphony Orchestra and a featured artist. Event concludes with a fantastic patriotic fireworks display.

Greenhorn Valley Arts and Music Festival
This two day celebration of the arts is in beautiful Greenhorn Meadows Park, Colorado City. There will be fine art and craft exhibitors. The festival also features an eclectic line-up of some of Southern Colorado's finest live music.

Whisker Ball
The Whisker Ball is a fundraiser for the Pueblo Animal Shelter, put on by the Friends of the Pueblo Animal Shelter. Dogs and well behaved humans are welcome!

For a detailed list of Community events, please visit http://www.pueblo.us/event

For more details about Pueblo, CO please visit: http://www.pueblo.us/