William Jackson Palmer Statue, Colorado Springs
The General William Jackson Palmer statue stands as a tribute to the city's founder and visionary leader. Crafted from bronze, the statue depicts General Palmer astride his beloved horse, Diablo. The idea of erecting a monument to honor General Palmer was first proposed by the Chamber of Commerce following his death in 1909. However, it wasn't until April 1923 that city voters approved the site for the statue, with Nevada and Platte Avenues serving as major thoroughfares through the city at that time.
Designed by sculptor Nathan Potter, in collaboration with prominent associate Chester French, the statue was formally dedicated on September 2, 1929. Its location sparked controversy over automobile safety, as periodic calls for relocation have arisen due to concerns about traffic hazards. Nevertheless, the statue has remained a prominent fixture in the cityscape, symbolizing General Palmer's enduring legacy.
General William Jackson Palmer, born in 1836, hailed from Delaware and was a member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). He played a pivotal role in the Union during the Civil War and later organized the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad. In 1871, Palmer founded the City of Colorado Springs, demonstrating his commitment to urban development and civic improvement. Throughout his life, he was instrumental in advancing various enterprises aimed at enhancing the city's infrastructure and quality of life.
Facing southwest towards the majestic Pikes Peak, General Palmer's statue portrays him in civilian attire, capturing his enduring connection to the natural beauty and rugged landscape of Colorado. Despite minor critiques, such as the absence of a cinch on the saddle, the statue stands as a testament to General Palmer's lasting presence and impact on the development of Colorado Springs.
Designed by sculptor Nathan Potter, in collaboration with prominent associate Chester French, the statue was formally dedicated on September 2, 1929. Its location sparked controversy over automobile safety, as periodic calls for relocation have arisen due to concerns about traffic hazards. Nevertheless, the statue has remained a prominent fixture in the cityscape, symbolizing General Palmer's enduring legacy.
General William Jackson Palmer, born in 1836, hailed from Delaware and was a member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). He played a pivotal role in the Union during the Civil War and later organized the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad. In 1871, Palmer founded the City of Colorado Springs, demonstrating his commitment to urban development and civic improvement. Throughout his life, he was instrumental in advancing various enterprises aimed at enhancing the city's infrastructure and quality of life.
Facing southwest towards the majestic Pikes Peak, General Palmer's statue portrays him in civilian attire, capturing his enduring connection to the natural beauty and rugged landscape of Colorado. Despite minor critiques, such as the absence of a cinch on the saddle, the statue stands as a testament to General Palmer's lasting presence and impact on the development of Colorado Springs.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Colorado Springs. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
William Jackson Palmer Statue on Map
Sight Name: William Jackson Palmer Statue
Sight Location: Colorado Springs, USA (See walking tours in Colorado Springs)
Sight Type: Statue/Public Art
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Colorado Springs, USA (See walking tours in Colorado Springs)
Sight Type: Statue/Public Art
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Create Your Own Walk in Colorado Springs
Creating your own self-guided walk in Colorado Springs is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Colorado College Historical Buildings Walking Tour
Founded in 1874, Colorado College stands out as one of the earliest institutions in Colorado to confer academic degrees. It was established through the efforts of General William Palmer, the founder of Colorado Springs, and Henry McAllister, a director of the Colorado Springs Company, both of whom contributed land along Cascade Avenue for the campus, setting the foundation for the college's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Colorado Springs Downtown Walking Tour
Colorado Springs, or simply "The Springs", is a city with a fascinating blend of eventful past and scenic natural beauty.
Throughout its history, Colorado Springs has evolved from a gold rush town into a significant military and educational center. The region that would become Colorado Springs was initially inhabited by the Ute, Arapaho, and Cheyenne peoples and became part of the... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Throughout its history, Colorado Springs has evolved from a gold rush town into a significant military and educational center. The region that would become Colorado Springs was initially inhabited by the Ute, Arapaho, and Cheyenne peoples and became part of the... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles