Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods and people on horseback, from a stereo-opticon, Ellis collection, #93-1

Contrary to many people's belief, the Garden of the Gods held no special significance Indians.. It was named the day after two Colorado City men Melancothan Beach and Rufus Cable staked out the Colorado City claim along Fountain Creek, August 12th, 1859, and were riding back to Denver where the Colorado City Land Company and Claim Club had been prodded into exisitance by Anthony Bott, who had camped there on "Camp Creek" the year before with the Lawrence Party. He knew its beauty and proximity to the Manitou Springs, which WERE sacred. The two men stopped inside the gateway rocks, looked around, and Beach, whose lineage was German said "This would make a hell of a Beer Garden." But effete Easterner Rufus Cable, pressed his palms together and said, "Oh no. This is a Garden fit for the Gods" And the name stuck.

Then, after Colorado Springs was founded in 1871, and the Perkins family gave the Garden to the City in 1909, with the provision it would remain a park and free forever, events like Shan Kive were started. It has always been a favorite place for Indian gatherings.