Fountain, Colorado Weather Cams
I-25 SB at Sante Fe Ave in Fountain MP 127.85
Fountain, Colorado: From Bubbling Springs to Railroad Crossroads in the Shadow of Pikes Peak
Fountain, Colorado Weather Cams. Just ten miles south of Colorado Springs, nestled along the banks of Fountain Creek, lies the city of Fountain—a community with deep roots in the American West. Founded in 1859, the same year as Denver and Golden, Fountain emerged as a vital agricultural and transportation hub in the Pikes Peak region. Its story is one of frontier ambition, railroad expansion, and enduring ties to the land and military.
Indigenous Presence and Early Trails
Long before settlers arrived, the area that would become Fountain was part of the seasonal range of the Ute people, particularly the Tabeguache band. They followed game along the creeks and foothills, using trails that would later guide trappers, traders, and settlers. Fountain Creek, known to the French as Fountaine Qui Bouille—“bubbling spring”—was a key water source and travel corridor.
By the early 1800s, fur trappers and traders had established routes through the region. One such route, known variously as the Trapper’s Trail or Jimmy’s Camp Trail, passed through the confluence of Jimmy Camp Creek and Fountain Creek. Jimmy’s Camp, a trading post of uncertain origin, became a landmark for travelers moving between the plains and the Front Range.
Founding and Railroad Ambitions
Fountain was officially founded in 1859, during the height of the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush. While prospectors pushed westward into the mountains, Fountain’s fertile plains and access to water made it ideal for farming and ranching. The town quickly became a shipping center for agricultural goods, especially hay and livestock, destined for the booming mining camps.
The arrival of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad in the 1870s cemented Fountain’s role as a transportation hub. The town’s location along the rail line made it a natural stop for freight and passengers. By the 1880s, Fountain was bustling with activity—grain elevators, stockyards, and general stores lined the tracks, and the town’s population grew steadily.
“The Blast” of 1888
One of the most dramatic events in Fountain’s history occurred in the early morning hours of May 14, 1888. A freight train carrying 18 tons of explosives collided with a northbound passenger train in the heart of town. The resulting explosion—known locally as “The Blast”—killed three people, injured dozens, and left a crater 40 feet wide and 15 feet deep. The shockwave destroyed nearby buildings, including a church and a grocery store, and was heard for miles.
The cause of the wreck was a grim tale of murder and sabotage. Two vagrants, after killing a fellow passenger on the freight train, attempted to cover up the crime by detaching several cars—including those carrying explosives—and sending them southward. Unaware of the danger, a passenger train approached from the opposite direction. Thanks to a conductor’s frantic warning, many passengers escaped before the collision, but the tragedy left a lasting scar on the town’s memory. Today, Fountain commemorates the event with an annual street dance and historical displays.
Agricultural Backbone and Military Ties
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Fountain remained a predominantly agricultural community. The surrounding plains supported wheat, corn, and alfalfa fields, while ranchers raised cattle and sheep. The town’s economy revolved around the rhythms of planting, harvest, and livestock drives.
In the mid-20th century, Fountain’s fortunes were reshaped by the growth of nearby military installations. The establishment of Fort Carson in 1942 brought an influx of soldiers, families, and civilian workers. Fountain became a bedroom community for military personnel, and its schools, businesses, and infrastructure expanded to meet the demand. The city’s close ties to the military remain strong today, with many residents connected to Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, and Schriever Space Force Base.
Civic Pride and Recognition
Despite its modest size, Fountain has earned national recognition for its community spirit. In 1999, The New York Timesselected Fountain as “America’s Millennium City,” highlighting its blend of tradition and progress. In 2002, the National Civic League named Fountain an “All-America City,” honoring its civic engagement and collaborative problem-solving.
The city’s motto, “Pure Colorado,” reflects its commitment to preserving natural beauty and small-town charm. Fountain boasts parks, trails, and open spaces that connect residents to the land and to each other. The Fountain Creek Nature Center, just north of town, offers educational programs and wildlife viewing along the creek’s riparian corridor.
The Fountain Valley and Regional Context
Fountain is part of the broader Fountain Valley, which includes the communities of Security and Widefield. This region, once dominated by farms and ranches, has evolved into a suburban extension of Colorado Springs. Yet it retains a distinct identity, shaped by its agricultural heritage and proximity to the mountains.
El Paso County, of which Fountain is a part, was one of Colorado’s original 17 counties, established in 1861. The county’s name—Spanish for “the pass”—refers to Ute Pass, a historic route through the Front Range. The Pikes Peak region, anchored by Colorado Springs, has long been a magnet for settlers, soldiers, and seekers drawn by its scenery and opportunity.
Fountain Today: Growth and Preservation
As of the 2020 census, Fountain had a population of nearly 30,000, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in southern Colorado. New housing developments, schools, and businesses reflect the city’s expanding role in the region. Yet Fountain remains committed to honoring its past.
The Fountain Valley Historical Society Museum, opened in 2003, preserves artifacts and stories from the town’s early days. Exhibits include a fire hose wagon, school memorabilia, and items related to “The Blast.” The museum also hosts cemetery tours and history scavenger hunts, keeping local heritage alive for new generations.
A Community Rooted in Resilience
Fountain’s history is one of adaptation and endurance. From its origins as a trading post and railroad stop to its role as a military neighbor and growing city, Fountain has weathered change while holding fast to its identity. It is a place where bubbling springs once guided trappers, where trains brought both prosperity and tragedy, and where community spirit continues to shape the future.
For more information, visit the Fountain, Colorado official website.