The New International Encyclopædia/Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS. A city and county-seat of El Paso County, Colo., 73 miles south of Denver; on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fé, the Denver and Rio Grande, and other railroads (Map: Colorado, E 2). Its location, 6000 feet above the level of the sea, near the base of Pike's Peak and the celebrated mineral springs at Manitou, with a healthful climate, have combined to make the place a much-frequented resort. It is the seat of Colorado College, founded in 1874, and of State institutions for the deaf-mute and blind. Settled in 1870, Colorado Springs was incorporated in 1872, and is governed under a charter of 1878 (revised 1901), which provides for a mayor, chosen biennially, and a city council, elected by wards. Standing and special committees are appointed by the Mayor; also the chief and members of the fire department, members of the police department, market master, street commissioner, and health officer. Other offices are filled by the council. The water-works are owned and operated by the municipality. Population, in 1890, 11,140; in 1900, 21,085.