Welcome to Fremont County Colorado
The Arkansas River comes rushing out of the Rocky Mountains onto the Great Plains through Fremont County. The river’s course was the route followed by a host of early explorers, trappers and mountain men including Zebulon Pike in 1806 and the County’s namesake John C. Fremont in several expeditions during the 1840s. Located 30 miles southwest of Pikes Peak, notable dinosaur fossil discoveries have been made here since the 1870s as well as some of the earliest vertebrate fossils known to science. Wide-ranging geologic sites provide examples of numerous eras in earth history and processes that shaped our planet, as well as a rich assortment of minerals.
Established in 1861 as one of the original 17 counties in the Colorado Territory, the state’s earliest orchards, cattle ranches and oil wells were in Fremont County which was also the site in 1871 of the Territorial Prison. Often referred to as Colorado’s Banana Belt or Climate Capital due to its relatively mild winter climate and abundant sunshine, early-day mine owners from Leadville and Cripple Creek escaped colder, harsher conditions at 10,000’ high mining camps here. Cañon City and Florence, at an elevation of 5,400’, were the last places that wagon loads of goods could easily reach and they became important support centers for mining areas.
Mine owners brought their wealth and built homes here in while investing in real estate and agricultural enterprises along with successful merchants. The resulting magnificent homes and commercial buildings remain today. These historic downtowns date back to the 1870s and residential districts display late 1800s and early 1900s architectural styles that offer insight into post-Civil War development in the west, as do railroad stations, churches and school buildings.
Beyond nostalgia, orchards and farms in the Penrose area and eastern Fremont County, as well as grass-fed beef from the western part of the county, delight the palates of today’s visitors with locally produced food and authentic heritage experiences. In late spring and summer, Farmer’s Markets in Cañon City, Florence and Cotopaxi offer fresh produce, bread and homemade specialties for all tastes. Fall brings harvest festivals, apple cider, wine tastings, pumpkin patches and corn mazes. Specialty shops and restaurants make locally produced food items and craft brews year ‘round. Antique shops abound.
Fremont County’s rich history and varied heritage experiences are easily accessible to Front Range residents and visitors. Cañon City and Florence are conveniently located in south-central Colorado just west of the I-25 corridor, 45 minutes southwest of Colorado Springs via highway 115, and just 30 minutes west of Pueblo on US-50; with access from the north provided by CO-9. The Heritage Tourism experiences available in Fremont County are ideally matched with Gold Medal fishing for the outdoor enthusiast, world class rafting for the adventure seeker and the 1,000’ high Royal Gorge Bridge and park for sightseers.
Upcoming Events
Join in the many Fremont County Fall Heritage Celebrations!
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Fremont County Organizations
Fremont County
Heritage Commission
The Fremont County Heritage Commission (FCHC) was originally set up as representing each geographic area of the county, and the major interests of the citizens
Crossroads
Through Time
Provides a quality educational experience for all ages by encouraging an understanding and appreciation for Fremont County’s rich geological, paleontological and historical heritage.
Friends of the
Museum
A 501(c)-3 non-profit organization that supports the Heritage Center by raising funds for educational programs, conservation and preservation projects for the museum.
Stones
‘N’ Bones
An all-volunteer organization of geology and paleontology enthusiasts with a passion for studying Fremont County’s rich landscape and sharing knowledge and experiences.
Fremont County
Historical Society
A non-profit 501(c)3 organization with tax deductible dues. The FCHS Board of Directors hold monthly meetings and publish newsletters every other month on heritage topics.
Read The Latest Newsletters
FCHS Newsletter – November 2024
In this issue: Caleb Richtner and Cinde McPhail "Heritage Apples"
FCHS Newsletter – September 2024
In this issue: Museum of Colorado Prisons with Stacy Cline
FOTM Newsletter – September 2024
In this issue: Featured Old Timey Movies, Historic Bike Tours, Kids Fossil Day
FOTM Newsletter – July 2024
In this issue: National Day of the Cowboy Community Coffee & Conversation
FCHS Newsletter – July 2024
In this issue: Ashley Sack will be giving a presentation on Eugenia Kennicott, an early pioneer living on a cattle ranch in Westcliffe and Canon City
WFHS Newsletter – Spring 2024
In this issue: Upcoming Events and Programs
FCHS Newsletter – May 2024
In this issue: Cattlewomen with Kathleen Shoemaker
FCHS Newsletter – February 2024
In this issue: Language of Flowers with Audri Garonson
FOTM Newsletter – March 2024
In this issue: Moving Day. Important information about new website.
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – January 2024
In this issue: Skye Stuart - Female Felons
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – December 2023
In this issue: “Cattlemen, Cattle Ranches and Cowboys in Fremont, Chaffee, Park Counties and Beyond”
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – November 2023
In this issue: Stacey Cline “Female Felons” Colorado museum of prisons
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – September 2023
In this issue: Victoria Miller: "16 Tons: The Colorado Fuel and Iron Company Mines"
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – September 2023
In this issue: Equine Digit Tour on October 14, 2023 @ 10:30AM. Call the museum to register or register online at https://museum.canoncity.org under the Calendar.
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – July 2023
In this issue : July Program - Wesley Brown Program - How the 1959 Gold Rush Put Colorado on the Map
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – June 2023
In this issue: Deb Hildebrand and Shari Mohr, WFHS board members and FOTM present “Cattlemen, Cattle Ranches and Cowboys in Fremont, Chaffee & Park Counties and Beyond
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – May 2023
In this issue: "Silent Movie Era in Canon City" presented by David Emrich
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – March 2023
In this issue: Fossil Symposium, Keeping it Local, Annual Meeting, Jr. Paleontologist Program, Be Our Guest Exhibit, Banners & Bricks
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – March 2023
In this issue: Storyteller Gregory Howell, Anson Rudd Poetry, FCHS Upcoming Programs & Dates and History Books
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – January 2023
In this issue: Draper Ranch History & Movie Making, A Newspaper Article, Upcoming Programs
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – December 2022
In this issue: Annual Meeting, A Farewell, Hike with a Paleontologist, Tour of Schools, Old Timey Movie Reviews, A New Partnership, Community Coffee and a Holiday Party
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – November 2022
In this issue: Presentation by John Wesley Anderson, Florence Historical Archive Quilt Presentation, Preserving History, Membership Drive.
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – September 2022
In this issue: Old Timey Movies, Hike with a Paleontologist, Tour of Schools, Retirements, Coffee & Conversation, Dinosaurs, Draper Ranch Tour + more...
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – July 2022
In this issue: University of Kansas - 100 years of Field Camp with Doug Walker, History of FCHS, Community Events, Books
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – June 2022
In this issue: Cowboy Days. Pathfinder Events Center. City Hall Exhibit. Sesquicentennial Year.
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – May 2022
In this issue: Porland Cement, Portland - A Company Town, Millie Wintz 2022 Doc Little Award, Community Events, Books
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – March 2022
In this issue: DeWeese Lodge. Brick Production - A Large Industry in Canon City. Sesquicentennial Kick-off & Exhibit.
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – March 2022
Topics include: Carol McNew, 150 Years Canon City Program, Oak Creek Cemetery, Books
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – December 2021
In this issue: Annual meeting. Members only Sesquicentennial Exhibit. Royal Gorge Bricks arrive. Old Timey Movies. Meet Librarian/Archivist Victoria Lemell.
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – November 2021
Topics include: Wesley Brown, Presenter, Cartographic Roots of Colorado, Pike National Trail Assoc. Spanish Territory; Oak Creek Cemetery
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – September 2021
In this issue: Old Timey Movies. Curator Keith Wondra. Day of the Cowboy. Education Coordinator Jessica Wortman.
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – September 2021
Topics include: Larry Green, Presenter, The Iron Bridge at Milepost 166.5, Society Information and Books, Florence Archive Inc. Info.
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – July 2021
In this issue: Stacey Cline, Presenter, Big House on the Corner, Florence Historical Archive Inc. Information
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – June 2021
In this issue: Annual Meeting. Glenn Gebhardt Photography collection. Rudd House construction. Master Gardeners. Chat with the Mayor. Beer today, gone tomorrow.
Fremont Historical Society Newsletter – May 2021
In this issue: Ashlee Sack presents Guy U. Hardy, Heritage Guide Books, FCHS News, Blast from the Pat - Spirits at Work
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – March 2021
In this issue: First Facebook live presentation. Changes & postponements.
Fremont County Historical Society – March 2021
In this issue: Kathleen Eaton-Presenter Talks About Prohibition, Doc Little Historian of the Year Award Display @ Florence Museum
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – January 2021
In this issue: Map of Area Grape Creek, Organizations of Note, Royal Gorge Regional Museum Info, Oak Creek Cemetery
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – December 2020
IN this issue: From Ditch-Bank to Dinner Table. Geoff Ormandy - Popcorn Man. Behind the Scenes. Wolf City, Molybdenum or Canon City. A Unique Birthday Gift.
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – November 2020
In this issue: Larry Green presents Echo & her sisters, Synopsis of the program, Business notices & events, more about Larry Green
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – September 2020
In this issue: Old Timey Movie are back. Fiber Optic Cable. Triceratops winner. Purple Heart Program. Genealogy goes viral.
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – September 2020
In this issue: 19th Amendment stories & pictures, Louise Ewing Burg - Suffragette Grandmother stories, Code of the West, Fremont Peak, The Legend of the Star Watcher
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – July 2020
In this issue: Don Moon portrays Mayor Stockbridge of Old Colorado City, Windshield Heritage Tours, A puzzle for you to solve, History they forgot to teach us,
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – June 2020
In this issue: Museum receives grant. Day of the Cowboy. Museum win March Chamber of Commerce Award. Hike with a Paleontologist.
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – May 2020
In this issue: Kathleen Eaton program cancelled. Flu epidemic of 1918, Royal Gorge Rodeo Memories, Soda Springs
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – March 2020
In this issue: Rudd House update. Loretta Baily honored by City Council. Sights and sounds of Colorado wildlife. Our new Intern - Willow Passero.
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – March 2020
In this issue: Geoff Clothier "Mining in Arkansas Valley and Fremont County"; Kathy Uhland, Doc Little Historian Award, Mining; Future Programs, Pike Trunk at Lincoln School
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – January 2020
In this issue: Eve Nagode presents "After the Fire, Rebuilding the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park", Pictures of Interest, Doc Little Award.
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – December 2019
In this issue: Bushels and Barrels. Triceratops, Thursday nights at the movies. Sand Creek Massacre.
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – November 2019
In this issue: Quarries, Minerals & Kilns of Western Fremont County, Howard and Calcite Remains, Copperfield and Prison Quarries & Mine Florence Historical Archive Diorama
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – September 2019
In this issue: Tracing your female ancestors. Day of the Cowboy. Historic bike tours. Doc Susie.
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – September 2019
In this issue: Teddy Roosevelt - the man, The cowboy Code, St. Scholastica, Teddy Roosevelt in Canon City 1900.
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – July 2019
In this issue: Mule Skinners,Jehus & Whips. Royal Gorge Bridge Celebrations. Denny Stately.
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – July 2019
In this issue: Florence Historical Archive, Inc. , What - When - Where and Who, Moon Walk, Archive Moments
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – May 2019
In this issue: Suspended Through Time. Meet Rebbie. Tour of Schools. 2019 Senior Mini-College.
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – May 2019
In this issue: Betsy Denney presents The Grangers, Posters, stamps and meeting room layout, The story of the Patrons of Husbandry, Remember When?
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – March 2019
In this issue" Tour of schools. The Museum has a new sign. Our new curator - Katie Conrad.
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – March 2019
In this issue: Garden Park School Fund, Dall DeWeese quarry; Garden Park School History, Pictures of the school, Heritage Commission request for local landmark applications, Doc Little Award recipient Margaret Stiles Storm
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – January 2019
In this issue: Detectives of History, History of the museum and Rudd House, Augustus Macon 1315 River Street and the well, Pictures of the well and the surround, Doc Little Award and the Garden Park School Grant
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – November 2018
In this issue: Sandy Dexter - Paranormal Activity at the Prison Museum. Ghost Walk Investigations. Territorial Daughters of Colorado Archival Records
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – September 2018
In this issue: Teddy Roosevelt - Monuments and the Antiquities Act of 1906. National Monuments close to Fremont County. If walls could speak.
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – July 2018
In this issue: Crossroads Through Time Heritage Park. The story of our past - Geology & history. Pre-history of the Fremont County area. Exploring our Heritage Park
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – May 2018
In this issue: Playwright August Mergelman - Bird Millman, international star of the high wire. Bird Millman, her life and achievements. Spirits, history and Cotopaxi School burns - 1938
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – March 2018
In this issue: Wet Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary. Colorado Women's Hall of Fame Candidate. This day in history and more March facts. Prospect Heights Jail renovation progress
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – January 2018
In this issue: Jennifer Moore Lowe - Cotopaxi Jewish Colony. Doc Little Award, Crossroads Through Time Trail at PCC Campus
Fremont Historical Society Newsletter – November 2017
In this issue: Kathryn Herrin. Medicine Show. Camps and Calendar.
Fremont Historical Society Newsletter – September 2017
In this issue: "Fast Eddie" presented by Don Moon. Prospect Heights Jail History.
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – May 2017
In this issue: Desperados, Outlaws and Shysters of Western Fremont County. Betsy Denney's Biological info. Harvey Logan was a local?. Territorial Daughters of Colorado. Look back at Texas Creek History. Denver Gem and Mineral Show in Denver.
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – March 2017
In this issue: "Reel California Girls and the Vista Lodge" presentation by Loretta Bailey. The Vista Lodge before the Royal Gorge fire. Long gone: the Hot Springs Hotel & Pool.
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – January 2017
In this issue: Territorial Prison of Colorado. Remembrances from Old-Timers who lived here.
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – January 2017
In this issue: Dianne Dudley and saving the history of the Griffin Ranch. Griffin Ranch; Florence Museum and Research Center. Griffin Ranch History. Doc Little Award history.
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – November 2016
In this issue: Paulette Stewart and her story of the Mineral Palace, King Coal and Queen Silver.
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – September 2016
In this issue: BLM Archaeologist Mike Troyer; Dinosaur Experiences. Electric Railways and Trolleys. BBC and Stones 'n' Bones with Dinosaur Experiences. Hirleman Vintage Fremont County Map.
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – July 2016
In this issue: American Day of the Cowboy. Canon Exploratory School Exhibits. Goodnight Barn Preservation - Roy Roper Remembers. Diggin It Dinosaur Exhibit
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – July 2016
In this issue: John B. Russell Memorial Event at the Florence Museum and Research Center. Exhibit at RGR Museum & History Center. Carlsbad Pool and Natatorium.
Fremont County Historical Society – May 2016
In this issue: Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site by Jennifer Kolise. Oak Creek Grade Cemetery. Griffin Ranch. FCHS Field Trips.
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – April 2016
In this issue: Cotopaxi Colony - History/Science Student winners. Cotopaxi Colony - The True Story
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – January 2016
Friends of the Museum Newsletter January 2016 FOTM-January-2016 Download This Newsletter
Fremont County Historical Society – January 2016
In this issue: Dave Walker; Finding where one of the Espinosa brothers was killed. Bio of Dave Walker; Fremont County Heritage Commission Local Landmark Sites. Minnie Harding Story. The Bloody Espinosas Story as told by a relative and others. Minnie Harding to be inducted into Colorado
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – November 2015
In this issue: Dr.Mark Gose presents Colonel Benjamin Grierson and his Buffalo Soldiers. 1915 - 100 Years Prohibition was voted in by Colorado Legislators. Charles Walcott and the Spirits of the past.
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – October 2015
Friends of the Museum Newsletter October 2015 FOTM-October-2015 Download This Newsletter
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – September 2015
In this issue: Larry Black, Presenter. Prospect Jail Open House. Geology Club and Wayfinding kiosks. Mary McNamaa Educational Fund Award. American Zinc-Lead Smelter story.
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – July 2015
Friends of the Museum Newsletter July 2015 FOTM-July-2015 Download This Newsletter
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – July 2015
In this issue: Mike Troyer, Presenter. Ride the Rockies pictures. Western Fremont Historical Society Event; Canon City Geology Club, Cara Fisher, National Day of the American Cowboy. Bents Fort Stockade. Captain John B. Russell.
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – May 2015
In this issue: Jeff Broome, Presenter Heritage Commission News. Cheyenne War Book Review. Fremont County Hospital & Farm - 1865.
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – April 2015
Friends of the Museum Newsletter April 2015 FOTM-April-2015
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – March 2015
In this issue: Earl S. Mead and Chaco Canyon. Southern Sympathizers in Fremont County.
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – January 2015
Friends of the Museum Newsletter January 2015 FOTM-January-2015
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – January 2015
In this issue: Mildred M. Wintz presents "Fraud Broads". Canon City to Western Fremont County - Health Spa.
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – November 2014
In this issue: Gene Johnson presents Buffalo Bill Cody. Ute Indians of Fremont County.
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – October 2014
Friends of the Museum Newsletter October 2014 FOTM-October-2014
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – September 2014
In this issue: Professor Jonathan Reese - Representation and Rebellion. History of Square Dance
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – July 2014
In this issue: Nancy Oswald presents the Cotopaxi Jewish Colony.
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – June 2014
Friends of the Museum Newsletter June 2014 FOTM-June-2014
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – May 2014
In this Issue: Biography of Marlowe Cassetti. Prospect Heights Jail. Apollo Moon Shot
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – March 2014
Friends of the Museum Newsletter March 2014 FOTM-March-2014
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – January 2014
Speaker Sue Cochran - Genealogical Specialist at the Royal Gorge Regional Museum & History Center
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – December 2013
Friends of the Museum Newsletter December 2013 FOTM-December-2013
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – November 2013
In this issue: Don Moon as President Theodore Roosevelt with the "Rest of the Story". Barnes City. East Fremont County. Fruitmere School - 1940. Elks Lodge No, 610.
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – September 2013
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Friends of the Museum Newsletter – September 2013
Friends of the Museum Newsletter September 2013 FOTM-September-2013
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – July 2013
In this issue: Wellsville, Colorado. Biological information about William Shrader - Presenter. The Garden Park Fossil Area.
Fremont County Historical Society Newsletter – March 2013
In this issue: The Legacy Trunk Program. Fremont County History - Claims Club 1860. Mining Disasters - Ludlow Massacre
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – December 2012
Friends of the Museum Newsletter December 2012 FOTM-December-2012
Friends of the Museum Newsletter – June 2012
Friends of the Museum Newsletter June 2012 FOTM-June-2012