It's said that the earliest permanent building in Colorado was erected in Pueblo by Lt. Zebulon Pike while he explored this part of the West. On his heels, Colorado's earliest pioneers established Fort Pueblo, a trading post on the banks of the Arkansas River, which flows out of the nearby Sangre de Cristo mountain range.
The arrival of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad in 1872, combined with the availability of nearby coal, came together to create what later was known as the Steel City, which became Pueblo's identity for a long time.
But Pueblo has changed over time, steel mills giving way to a Riverwalk and family cafes joined by upscale restaurants. Today, Colorado's third-largest city is a thriving town that values culture and arts as well as livestock shows and hot-rod expos.
One of the city's claims to fame is its Mexican food. Pueblo farmers grow their own variety of green chili, made into a savory stew to top just about anything edible. Local growers bring their produce to farmers' markets all over the region each summer. Each fall, a Chili & Frijole Festival celebrates the harvest and city's Hispanic heritage.
Downtown events often revolve around the Sangre de Cristo Arts & Conference Center and adjacent Buell Children's Museum, which has won national recognition for excellence.
The city's ambitious Greenway and Nature Center provides pleasant hiking along the river. Nearby, the Pueblo Raptor Center houses rescued wild birds such as owls and eagles. And there's the Lake Pueblo State Park south of town, where fishing, boating and other water sports are the order of the day. There's even a swimming beach — a rare sight in this state. And in City Park, there's a zoo, including an antique carousel.
Pueblo has not forgotten its roots. Witness the revitalization of the Union Avenue Historic District and the completely rebuilt El Pueblo Museum, which honors the area's history and cultural diversity. Those in search of more history can find it at Rosemount Museum, home of one of the city's founding fathers.
And if you're fortunate enough to visit Pueblo in late August or early September, you just might catch the annual Colorado State Fair, nearly two week of carnivals, livestock shows, rodeos and concerts. It's a great way to celebrate the state.
Community Resources:
Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce
800-233-3446
302 N. Santa Fe, Pueblo, CO 81003
Action 22
Pueblo, CO
Toll Free: 888-779-1799