Old Colorado City Historical Society

05/27/2026

During Territory Days many people were surprised to learn where the name of Thunder & Buttons bar and restaurant comes from. We're sure most of our followers know it comes from the famous elk owned by John "Prairie Dog" O'Byrne! However, did you know that Prairie Dog did more than race up and down Colorado with Madam Laura Bell and his beloved team of elk? Prairie Dog was an author too!

A few years ago we were honored to be donate a copy of Prairie Dog's book "Pikes Peak or Bust and Sketches of the Wild West" by one of his very own descendants. O'Byrne starts out his book covering some of the most scenic locations around Colorado Springs, then tells some stories about his time here and in the Southwest. He also includes some of his poetry.

Here's what Prairie Dog had to say about Colorado City aka "Old Town":

Old Town isn't what it used to be; times have made a wonderful change.
When I landed in Old Town it was the hottest town on the Front Range.
The Garden of the Gods and Cave of the Winds those days weren't in it because in Old Town there was something doing every minute.
In Old Town I cut quite a dash; I took many pains to spend all of my cash and I drove through the streets with Laura Bell by my side--a span of Elk, how fine we did ride.
We drove down to Byron Hames' Old Place and says I: "Let's go in and see what's a muss for I feel just at present like having a fuss".
We stepped to the entrance and then to the hall.
Some were turning a wheel with a ball, some playing cards and even more throwing dive and lots of half dollars that looked very nice.
And there stood "Soapy" Smith with three cards in his hand, and each word he utered he spoke with command: "Now gents", he would say, "there is the ace and it is plain to be seen".
And that's where I lost all my money on the Ace and the Queen.
Yes, indeed, Old Town isn't what it used to be, times have made a wonderful change and today Old Town resembles an old down with a bad case of mange.
Bob Ford, "Soapy" Smith and "Eat 'Em Up" Jake have long since cashed in their chips and gone to Boot Hill and if the Divil hasn't come after them, they are lying there still.

05/26/2026

SO much rootin' tootin' fun was had at this year's 50th Annual Territory Days!

Our saloon had its fair share of business with folks takin' their root beer shots and making their own saloon tokens at the poker table. (And dancin' to our toe-tappin' ragtime tunes 🎶)

Thank you to everyone who made this Territory Days a success, and to those who keep the foundation of our Westside history relevant, important and alive! 🤠

Colorado Cowboys

05/26/2026

Always a good time with the Colorado Cowboys! 🤠

05/26/2026

Merrick Rosengrants was hung for killing John Langmeyer in Leadville. John had walked into his miner's tent to find Merrick rummaging through his trunk. Instead of just running away, he shot and killed John before fleeing and being caught. John was the brother in law of our city founder, Anthony Bott! You can find Mr. Langmeyer at Fairview Cemetery on Colorado Springs' Westside. He is the oldest "known" burial at Fairview, as he was buried there before Bott gifted his land as Fairview Cemetery to Colorado City.

Frank Gilbert and Merrick Rosengrants were hanged in Leadville, Colorado on July 29, 1881, after being convicted of separate murders committed in nearby mining camps. The executions marked the first legal hanging in Leadville’s history. Newspapers reported that a crowd of nearly 10,000 people gathered to witness the event.

05/25/2026

Join the fun where the old west is still alive… despite the Marshal’s best efforts. The Colorado Cowboys have been posted up beside us, and together we’ve apparently caused enough commotion to attract the law.

The Marshal says our saloon is unlawful. Claims there's card games, gambling, rowdy dancing, music and unattended women.. Well, he already seized our “whiskey,” but that's where we draw the line! We’re still pouring cold shots of beer - root beer, that is! We'll keep our music and dancing, and we'll let people create their OWN saloon tokens at our poker table. (Even though 2 of our own were already thrown in jail today!)

Stop by tomorrow from 10 to 4, enjoy a shot, hear the stories of the wild frontier, and learn why we celebrate Territory Days in the first place. There’s history, laughter, cowboys, ladies and just enough mischief to keep the Marshal circling back around our boardwalk!

Don’t miss the final day!

05/24/2026

Thank you, Heath! It was great to see you yesterday! 🤠

05/23/2026

If you missed the Historic Stockbridge House Estate sale a few weeks ago - you're in luck! All weekend there's a huge sale - 50% off! All of Territory Days, you will find all of the deals at Leasure's Treasures. Don't forget to visit them at 2801 West Colorado Ave. Our friend Lashelle would love to meet you!

All donations go to OCCHS - Thanks to the Leasure/Brown family. We love them so much!

05/22/2026

🤠 It's time for Territory Days! This weekend Saturday-Monday we will be open in the museum and cabin 10-4pm. Make sure to stop by the rootin-ist tootin-ist saloon in the Garvin Cabin to relive OCC's wild west days.

The Summit Scribes will be back again in the museum with their beautiful custom calligraphy bookmarks, so stop by to get one!

It's Terrirory Days 50th year, and it began as a celebration of Old Colorado City, El Paso County, and Colorado's history. The festival was started by the same folks who helped revitalize OCC, save many of our historic buildings, and create the historic district we all cherish today. If it weren't for them, we'd be having a street festival along a row of empty parking lots.

Several of the folks who lead these efforts were also instrumental in starting our historical society. So show us some love by stopping by the cabin and museum for the low low price of free. We wouldn't mind if you brought a little gold dust for our donation boxes though 😉🤠

05/21/2026

CALL FOR COMMUNITY INPUT! 📣

The Colorado Ave. Improvements Project public survey is live TODAY!

Share your input on how we can improve safety, accessibility, and vibrancy while preserving the historic character of Old Colorado City.

The City and project partners are launching a temporary test phase along Colorado Avenue on June 1, 2026, beginning with street restriping.

Learn more about the project and complete the survey at ColoradoSprings.gov/ColoradoAve.

Or look for our team at Territory Days to provide feedback in person!

You can help shape the future of Old Colorado City.

05/21/2026

A survey has been posted by the city to receive input on the Colorado Avenue Improvement Project. Please share your feedback on the project at the link below!

Please click the link to complete this form.