Colorado Springs: Did you know? — Honoring Trailblazing Women at Evergreen Cemetery

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~ Colorado Springs, CO - When thinking about notable women in the Pikes Peak region, names like Helen Hunt Jackson and Mary Lincoln "Queen" Palmer may come to mind. However, there are many remarkable women who have ties to the city of Colorado Springs resting in Evergreen Cemetery. Their stories are filled with courage and perseverance, and it is an honor to share them.

One such woman is Ellen Jack, after whom Captain Jacks Trail is named. Born in England in 1842, Jack's life was one of hardship, determination, and adventure. Rumored to have survived a brutal attack by a jealous Russian lover before making her way to the United States, she met and married Captain Charles E. Jack on board the ship. After his death, she took on his title and became known as Captain Jack.

But her life took an even crazier turn when she became the owner and operator of Jack's Place, an eating house in Gunnison, Colorado. During a conflict with Ute Chief Colorow and his tribe, Captain Jack stood her ground despite being wounded by a hatchet to the forehead. It was Colorow himself who rode into town under a white flag to save her from the poisoned hatchet.

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Eventually settling in Colorado Springs in the early 1900s, Captain Jack operated a tourist attraction atop High Drive in North Cheyenne Canyon. Visitors not only enjoyed breathtaking views but also stayed overnight for her famous chicken dinners while listening to her captivating tales. She was often seen posing for photos with her pet burro, cats, and parrots while dressed in a simple cotton blouse and wool skirt with lace-up boots. She completed the look with a mining pick and six-shooter tucked into her belt.

However, tragedy struck when a devastating flood washed out access to High Drive in 1921. Unable to return to her home or tourist destination, Captain Jack passed away from a broken heart on June 16, 1921. The Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) made sure she was laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery, facing High Drive and the trail that bears her name.

Another notable woman buried in Evergreen Cemetery is Dr. Julia Loomis, a pioneer in medicine. Born in 1816 in New Woodstock, New York, Julia was the youngest of ten daughters. She married John Loomis at the age of 20 but refused to conform to the rigid expectations of Victorian womanhood. In 1870, at the age of 54, she earned her M.D. from Cleveland Woman's Homeopathic College and became the first woman with a medical degree to practice in Colorado Springs.

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Despite starting her medical career later in life, Julia dedicated the next decade to her practice in Colorado Springs. Sadly, she passed away from pneumonia at the age of 64 and is buried in Block 40 of Evergreen Cemetery as a testament to her pioneering spirit.

Millicent Peterson Young is another remarkable woman resting in Evergreen Cemetery. Born near Lodgepole, Nebraska in 1922, Young's fascination with flying began when a barnstormer landed on her family's farm. Despite being scolded by the pilot for touching his plane as a child, Young worked tirelessly to earn money and pursue her dream as a pilot.

During World War II, she joined the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) and played crucial roles such as transporting bombers and training male pilots. Her contributions helped pave the way for future generations of women in aviation. Millicent Amanda Peterson Young lived in Colorado Springs for over sixty years before passing away on January 12, 2019. She is buried in Block 26 of Evergreen Cemetery.

These are just a few examples of the remarkable women who have ties to Colorado Springs resting in Evergreen Cemetery. Their stories of courage, perseverance, and determination continue to inspire and honor the city's history.

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