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Your donation goes towards erecting a permanent monument.
Near Thorndale Park lies a forgotten history. Some Westsiders might be surprised to know that they live in what used to be the town of Ramona - a town founded completely on alcohol.
Colorado City was what you might consider a Wild West town. We had saloons, brothels, gambling, and even opium dens. You name it, we had it! However, with changing moralities thanks to activists like the Women's Christian Temperance Union in the early 1900s - things were changing. The fun times in Colorado City came to an end when the "respectable" side of town finally gained enough votes to make the town dry.
Although they were given a few years to pack up and leave town or integrate into respectable society, some saloon owners decided they simply didn't want to do that. Nothing in the new law said they couldn't truck their liquor a few blocks up 24th and set up shop right outside of city limits...so that's what they did!
Ramona was founded as a town of a few tents (one saloon and one all-purpose "government" tent), but quickly grew to include real brick-and-mortar saloons, a brothel, boxing club, and more. There was just as much trouble in the town as you'd expect! Colorado City was furious at Ramona's existence, and aired their anger in the local newspapers and in constant fights over water rights.
Statewide prohibition in 1916 put an end to Ramona. The saloon owners could fight local governments, but they were no match for the state. The business buildings were demolished and the neighborhood eventually covered all traces of what was once Ramona.
We are planning to erect a monument near the location of Ramona to recognize the unique history of the area. The monument will be made of stone and created by a local company at the cost of $2,500.
To help reach the cost needed to erect the monument, we are asking for donations. Any bit helps us get closer to memoralizing the wild town of Ramona.
Donations can be made below or at the History Center. When donating in-person please let us know that you'd like to donate to the Ramona Monument and your donation will be added to the fund.
LEFT: Mock-up of possible monument design
Come on in to the History Center! Or email us.
We can answer your questions about Ramona!
1 S 24th St, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80918
Open Tuesday - Saturday
11am - 4pm
The first book to ever be written on the topic of Ramona was published this year! If you are interested in the town, you will find the entire history here, as well as the stories of the people who were integral to Ramona's creation.
Come see artifacts from the town itself! Located in the bell tower of the History Center.
The Old Colorado City Historical Society (OCCHS) is part of the Old Colorado City Partnership. This is a group of core organizations in Old Colorado City which also includes the Old Colorado City Associates (OCCA), the Organization of Westside Neighborhoods (OWN), and the Old Colorado City Special Improvement and Maintenance District (OCC SIMD).
The Partnership brings together business owners, cultural organizations, and the surrounding Westside neighborhood to create a cohesive community.
The Partnership has graciously offered their support in helping to create this monument to honor Old Colorado City's wild history.