Uncovering the Wild Past of Old Colorado City: 10 Fascinating Facts

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you

Driving down I-25 you wouldn’t know that tucked away on the west side of Colorado Springs, is Old Colorado City. A charming historic district with quaint shops, cozy cafés, and a family friendly atmosphere.

But beneath the present-day charm, lies a wild and scandalous past- one filled with outlaws, saloons, secret tunnels, and even ghostly legends.

Once a lawless frontier town, Old Colorado City was a booming hub during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush and later a hotbed for vice, crime and underground activity.

From hidden speakeasies during Prohibition, to rumored opium dens, and lingering spirits, the town has no shortage of fascinating stories.

Whether you’re a history buff, a ghost hunter, or just curious about the wilder side of the West, here are here are 10 fascinating facts about this once-lawless frontier town.

1. It Was the First Capital of Colorado

Before Denver took the title, Old Colorado City was briefly the first capital of Colorado Territory in 1861. However, its rowdy reputation—filled with saloons and lawlessness—led officials to move the capital elsewhere.

2. It Was a Gold Rush Boomtown

Founded in 1859 during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush, Old Colorado City became a supply hub for miners heading into the mountains. Later, in the 1890s, it grew even more important as a gold ore processing center for Cripple Creek’s massive gold boom.

3. Vice and Crime Were Everyday Life

Miners and cowboys brought more than just money to town—they also brought gambling, drinking, and crime. Old Colorado City became notorious for its saloons, brothels, and outlaw activity, making it one of the wildest towns in the West.

4. Secret Tunnels May Still Exist Underground

Rumors persist about a hidden network of tunnels beneath Old Colorado City. These tunnels were allegedly used for bootlegging during Prohibition, secret gambling operations, and as escape routes for brothel patrons avoiding law enforcement. Some entrances have been discovered, but many remain sealed or lost to time.

5. It Was Home to Opium Dens

Like many frontier towns with a large labor force, Old Colorado City had its share of opium dens, particularly in the late 1800s. These hidden spots catered to those seeking an escape from the harsh realities of mining life.

6. Prohibition Didn’t Stop the Drinking

When alcohol was outlawed, the town didn’t dry up. Instead, speakeasies and underground bars flourished. Secret liquor shipments, hidden behind false walls and trapdoors, kept Old Colorado City’s party scene alive despite the law.

7. Some Historic Buildings Still Stand Today

Despite fires, redevelopment, and time, several original buildings from the 1800s are still standing, including historic saloons, hotels, and old storefronts. Walking through Old Colorado City today, you’re stepping into the same streets where cowboys, lawmen, and outlaws once stood.

8. Ghosts Still Roam the Streets

With so much history—and so many untimely deaths—many believe Old Colorado City is haunted. Reports of strange lights, whispers, and ghostly figures have come from historic buildings and even Bancroft Park. Some say spirits from the town’s outlaw days still linger.

9. It Hosts One of the Largest Western Festivals

Every Memorial Day weekend, Territory Days takes over Old Colorado City, celebrating its Wild West roots with gunfight reenactments, live music, food vendors, and more. It’s one of the biggest festivals in the region and a must-visit for history lovers.

10. It’s a Perfect Blend of Past and Present

While it no longer has saloons filled with outlaws, Old Colorado City is still full of historic charm. Today, it’s a lively district with boutique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and family-friendly attractions—but its scandalous past is never far beneath the surface.

History Never Rests in Old Colorado City

Old Colorado City has come a long way from its lawless frontier days, but if history has taught us anything, it’s that some stories never truly fade. The echoes of the past still linger in its historic buildings, its hidden tunnels, and, according to some, in the spirits that refuse to leave.

Whether it’s the ghostly whispers heard in old saloons, the mysterious figures spotted in Bancroft Park, or the chilling tales told on local ghost tours, Old Colorado City’s wild past is never far from the present. So next time you stroll through its historic streets, take a moment to listen—because in a place like this, you never know who (or what) might still be watching.