Whats the history of Woodland Park, Colorado?
The Ute Indians inhabited this region of Colorado for hundreds of years. In 1887, the Midland Railway was completed and settlers started building in the area. On December 1, 1890, the Woodland Park Town and Improvement Company officially incorporated the small town, complete with lake, schoolhouse, central pavilion, and 122 residents. Woodland Park was located at the crossroads of various travel routes, including the historic Ute Pass. Therefore, the town made its mark primarily by supplying goods and fresh horses to the constant flow of travelers As the gold rush flourished, Woodland Park began to grow. By the mid-1890’s, Woodland Park had five saw mills and a number of hotels. By the turn of the century, Woodland Park had become a major supplier of milled lumber to the mining operations in Cripple Creek and Victor, providing most of the ties and braces for the shaft and rail systems into the mines. Today, the saw mills are gone, but Woodland Park has grown to over 7,000 residents tha