Canon City, CO (Spanish for canyon) is located along the upper Arkansas River and was founded in 1858 as the result of Pikes Peak Gold Rush. Later, in 1862, oil was discovered. A Front Range town Canon City in its own right is a grand and modest town full of history. Attractions in and around Canon City include Royal Gorge Railway (see my essay on Royal Gorge Railway), the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, Skyline Drive (see my expose on Skyline Drive), Museum of Colorado Prisons, and the Historic Downtown as well as camping and hiking opportunities. In addition the Canon City area boasts massive dinosaur fossil finds. The downtown primarily consists of historic buildings along the Main Street corridor. Our picture tour takes you along Main Street; notice the town’s penchant for sidewalk sculptures. Notable buildings are: Standard Oil Company building was built in 1930 and has been repurposed as the sales center for the proposed St. Cloud Hotel condos; St. Cloud Hotel (The hotel was moved, brick by brick, from Silver Cliff, CO in 1888. Current notices on this vacant building indicate that it is being offered as high end condos with the sales office across the street in the old Standard Oil Company building); Skyline Theater-a 1918 deco-theater; Felter building built 1898; Burrage building built 1887; Apex Building built 1901; Weaver & Bond building circa 1890; McClure House/Strathmore Hotel built 1872; Raynolds Bank and McGee building circa 1882; Taggart building built 1883; WC Catlin building built 1888; State Armory built 1922; Deputy Wardens House built 1901; Murray’s Saloon circa 1860; Apex Building built 1901; FL Smith building circa 1901; The Annex building built 1903; Sulphide Building built 1891; Central Block 1901; Arthur Block circa 1895; Harding building built 1908; First Presbyterian Church completed in 1902; First Baptist Church built 1890.
The Takeaway: Canon City, CO (Spanish for canyon) possesses numerous and diverse attractions. From dinosaur fossils, to historic downtown buildings, to museums and the Royal Gorge railway there is an activity for everyone. Located on the Front Range and within a short drive from Colorado Springs or Pueblo do not pass up the opportunity to experience all the Canon City has to offer. Go to www.rickpicks.com for more photographs, other reviews, critiques and essays with links to area attractions and a more detailed review of rv parks as well as reviews of restaurants, etc.
