~ Colorado Springs, CO - Evergreen Cemetery, the fifth cemetery established in the city, holds a rich history dating back to the early days of Colorado City. As one of the oldest continuously-operated cemeteries in the area, it serves as a final resting place for many of the city's earliest pioneers.

Founded in 1859, Colorado City was a bustling town that became a vital supply hub for gold seekers traveling to the South Park gold fields. Initially, residents were buried along the hogbacks near what is now Red Rock Canyon's 31st Street entrance. However, due to hard clay soil and frequent attacks from native tribes in the region, the cemetery was relocated to a hill above the Old Colorado City Creamery.

Unfortunately, this location also proved unsuitable, leading to yet another move to a mesa with a picturesque view of Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. This mesa cemetery became known as Pioneer Park and served as the final resting place for many early settlers, including victims of an Arapahoe attack in the late 1860s. A large stone near Cenotaph Drive stands inscribed with their names.

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In 1871, when General Palmer founded the Fountain Colony (now known as Colorado Springs), there was a need for a new burial ground. The El Paso County Cemetery was initially located near Rio Grande Station but was deemed undesirable due to its proximity to town and emphasis on health benefits. To address this issue, General Palmer donated 10-40 acres of land on the outskirts of town at the foot of Mount Washington.

Initially named Mount Washington Cemetery and later renamed Mountain Home Cemetery, it eventually became known as Evergreen Cemetery due to its beautiful pine grove surroundings. Today, it remains a historic and serene final resting place for many early pioneers who helped shape Colorado Springs into what it is today.

As part of their efforts to educate residents about these historic cemeteries, Evergreen and Fairview Cemeteries have launched a new series of blogs titled "Did You Know?" These blogs aim to share little-known facts and rich cultural history about the two oldest, continuously-operated cemeteries in Colorado Springs.

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