20 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Fremont County, Colorado

I've lived in Fremont County for many years, and the more I learn about this area, the more I'm amazed by its history. Most people know about the Royal Gorge Bridge or that Cañon City has plenty of sunshine, but there are so many stories hiding just beneath the surface.

Whether you've lived here your whole life or you're thinking about moving here, here are 20 interesting facts about Fremont County that you may not have heard before.

1. Colorado's oil industry started here.

Most people think of Texas when they think of oil, but Colorado's first successful commercial oil well was actually drilled near Florence in 1862. In fact, it was one of the first productive oil fields west of the Mississippi River.

2. Dinosaurs put Fremont County on the map.

Garden Park, just north of Cañon City, is known around the world by paleontologists. Some of the dinosaur fossils discovered there are now displayed in museums across the country and around the world.

3. You can still see dinosaur footprints.

Not only were dinosaur bones found here, but you can also see actual dinosaur footprints along Skyline Drive. Imagine standing where dinosaurs walked more than 100 million years ago.

4. Two famous scientists once battled over our dinosaurs.

The late 1800s brought what became known as the "Bone Wars." Two rival paleontologists raced to discover and name new dinosaur species. They even hired people to spy on each other's digs right here in Fremont County.

5. The Royal Gorge was once the center of a railroad war.

Before tourists came to admire the scenery, railroad companies fought over who would control the route through the Royal Gorge. The battle involved lawsuits, armed guards, and national attention.

6. Fremont County was once known for apples.

Long before it became known as Colorado's prison capital, Cañon City and Penrose were famous for their apple orchards. Millions of pounds of apples were shipped throughout the country every year. Today's Blossom Festival honors that history.

7. There's a reason people call it the "Banana Belt."

Our climate is much milder than many nearby Colorado communities. The longer growing season makes it possible to grow apples, peaches, cherries, grapes, and many other crops.

8. There used to be natural hot springs near the Royal Gorge.

Early explorers wrote about natural hot springs in the area. Most have disappeared or changed over the years, but they were once another unique feature of the county. And I'm pretty sure I know where it was. 

9. Hollywood came to Fremont County.

Long before modern movies, silent westerns were filmed here. The rugged landscape made the perfect backdrop for some of the earliest western films. Think Tom Mix and more.

10. Zebulon Pike traveled through here.

During the winter of 1806, explorer Zebulon Pike crossed what is now Fremont County while the Arkansas River was frozen solid.

11. Some of our rocks are nearly 2 billion years old.

The granite walls of the Royal Gorge are among the oldest exposed rocks in Colorado. They've been here far longer than any of us can truly imagine.

12. Colorado's oldest prison opened before Colorado became a state.

The Colorado Territorial Prison in Cañon City opened in 1871. Colorado didn't become a state until 1876.

13. The county has more than one claim to fame.

People often associate Fremont County with correctional facilities, but the county has also played important roles in mining, ranching, farming, railroads, oil production, and paleontology.

14. Fossils are still being discovered.

Even today, researchers continue to study Garden Park and occasionally uncover new fossils and ancient plant life.

15. Ranching helped build this community.

Before tourism and modern development, ranching and agriculture were the backbone of Fremont County's economy.

16. Downtown Cañon City has stood the test of time.

Many of the brick buildings downtown were built in the late 1800s and are still being used today. Walking through downtown is like taking a step back in time.

17. Dinosaurs aren't the only fossils here.

Fremont County also has ancient marine fossils dating back hundreds of millions of years, proving this part of Colorado once looked very different.

18. The Arkansas River carved the Royal Gorge.

Over millions of years, the Arkansas River slowly cut through incredibly hard granite to create one of Colorado's most impressive natural wonders.

19. Ghost towns still tell part of our story.

Coal mining once supported several small communities throughout the county. While many have disappeared, old cemeteries and scattered foundations still remind us they were once thriving towns.

20. Fremont County has a story around every corner.

The more I learn about Fremont County, the more I appreciate living here. From dinosaurs and railroads to orchards, oil wells, ghost towns, and incredible gelogy, this county has a fascinating history that many people never hear about.

One of my favorite things about real estate is helping people discover not just a home, but a community. Fremont County is full of stories waiting to be told, and I hope this gave you a reason to look at our area a little differently the next time you're out exploring.