Canon City - A Frontier Town

Cañon City was first organized by the Cañon City Claim Club (6 members responsible for developing minerals in the area) on March 13, 1860. Residents voted to name the settlement "Town of Canyon City" but the reporter for the meeting used the Spanish Cañon spelling, thus we became Cañon City.

Cañon City was established in 1860 by J.F. Smith, Stephen Smith, William Young, Robert Bearcaw, Charles Peck and William Koenig to accommodate the prospectors and settlers streaming from the east in search of mineral riches, agricultural abundance and a new way of life. The town grew rapidly, and by 1862, one year after the onset of the Civil War, Cañon City was the County Seat of Fremont County. Located eight miles east of the Royal Gorge Bridge on U.S. Highway 50, Cañon City's Main Street has something for everyone. You'll find Main Street and the Historic Downtown Commercial District one block north of Highway 50 (also know as Royal Gorge Boulevard.) Just follow the "Historic District" signs when entering Cañon City from either the east or the west.

Downtown Cañon City is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the largest intact historical districts in Colorado. The eighty buildingsincluded form a continuous, cohesive grouping that reflects the development of Cañon City as a regional commercial center. Our authentic small town Main Street atmosphere is evident from "Old Max" at First and Main to the United States Post Office at 15th and Main. A stroll down Main Street will introduce you to the cultural and social heart of Cañon City.

Coffee Shops and restaurants featuring Mexican, Italian, Chinese and "down home" cuisines as well as local "watering holes" are abundant on Main Street. You and your family can eat pizza while being entertained by a magician; devour burgers and beer after a game of pool or "people watch" while eating homemade pastries and desserts.

Shoppers will find small business owners who offer books, musical instruments, pets, clothing, shoes, furniture, groceries, fresh flowers, electronics, art, jewelry, sporting goods, prescriptions, soaps and lotions and gifts galore. If you're looking for bargains, our second hand stores will keep you entertained for hours. Visit the many wonderful art galleries and museums, get a manicure or a massage, have a cup of coffee on a street bench, visit with the locals and get acquainted with our community.