Located in the Rocky Mountains in the western part of Colorado, Glenwood Springs, Colorado was incorporated in 1885. Its early history is an important part of the mythology of the American West. More recently, its proximity to resort areas have made Glenwood Springs an important locale despite its modest size of less than 5 square miles.
Glenwood Springs was first settled in 1879 by James Landis and a small group of followers. The site for Glenwood Springs, originally known as Defiance, was chosen for its proximity to the junction of the Colorado River and the Roaring Fork River. Defiance became an encampment for westbound settlers, consisting mostly of lodging tents and simple buildings. In 1885, the name was changed the name to Glenwood Springs, after resident Isaac Cooper's wife's hometown in the American Midwest. Glenwood Springs, Colorado was established as a city within the State of Colorado in 1885.
Throughout the late-19th century, Glenwood Springs was a city typical of what came to be known as the Wild West. Local governance was ineffective and violence was common. As the city grew physically more suitable buildings were erected with taverns and brothels among the most prominent local businesses. Prostitutes constituted a significant portion of the city's permanent population.
The construction of the transcontinental railway gave Glenwood Springs access to the rest of the nation and its status as a center of commerce, originally based on its waterways, was enhanced further.
Adding to Glendood Springs's historical association with the American west is the fact that it is the burial site of legendary gunfighter Doc Holliday. Holliday retired to Glenwood Springs after his adventurous exploits, and died there in 1887.
President Teddy Roosevelt frequented Glenwood Springs, spending a great deal of time there during the summer months. William "Buffalo Bill" Cody also visited Glenwood Springs, most notably just before his death in 1917. More recently, the Glenwood Springs Jail was the site of serial killer Ted Bundy's short-lived escape in 1977.
Built in 1893, the Hotel Colorado is among Glenwood Springs's most famous sites. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977, the Hotel Colorado was where Teddy Roosevelt stayed while in Glenwood Springs. Presidents Taft and Hoover also visited the hotel, earning it the nickname "The Little White House of the West".
In 1942 the hotel was put into the service of the U.S. Navy and used as a hospital for soldiers wounded in World War II. The hotel's history contains numerous references to unexplained phenomena and it is among the key sites for ghost enthusiasts in the region.
Today Glenwood Springs, Colorado is a popular destination year round. In the winter it offers proximity to the ski resorts of Aspen and Vail. During summer months, visitors come to Glenwood Springs for its hot springs as well as the local geological marvel of Glenwood Caverns which opened for public tours in 1999.
The city is a Home Rule Municipality and serves as the County Seat of Garfield County. It has approximately 8,500 residents.
