The spirited history of the Pikes Peak Region comes to life! Discover the 1860's Galloway Homestead, the 1880's Chambers Farm and Blacksmith Shop and the 1907 Orchard House.

OPEN:

Summer: June - Labor Day Wednesday 10 am - 5 pm; Sundays 12-5

Autumn: Call for open days and times and special events.

The Ranch is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Activity abounds during this self-guided adventure. Learn about the rigors of homesteading, the perils of 19th century agriculture and the sophistication of an early 20th century estate built by the founder of Colorado Springs.

The Rock Ledge Ranch has seen virtually all components of the entire West's evolution. The program directs its energies toward interpreting the lifestyles of the Ranch as it was. The Ranch's history can be divided into three primary periods: pre-railroad settlement represented by the Galloway homestead (1867-1874); a post-railroad energetic community as represented by the Chambers' working ranch and Rock Ledge House (1874-1900); and finally, an established sophisticated city with suburban settlement as represented by the Orchard House and surrounding grounds (1907-1909).

EXHIBITS: Knowledgeable interpreters present the true-to-life history of the people of the Pikes Peak Region.

1770 American Indian Area with authentic tipis and demonstrations.

Walter Galloway Homestead of 1860's: Representing this area as a pre-railroad settlement and therefore it is sparse and simple. Mr. Galloway was born in Scotland and worked in the area as a farm laborer. Mr. Galloway paid $200 in order to commute his claim and gain the title.

Rock Ledge House of the 1880's: By the late 1870's the Colorado Springs area began to grow rapidly. When the Chambers arrived in 1874 the population was in the hundreds. By 1880 the population reached in 4,000. A decade later, when Robert Chambers retired, the area held close to 30,000 people. The Chambers family sustained a fruit orchard and plots for vegetables and crops.

1907 Orchard House: After purchasing the property from the Chambers, General William Palmer, founder of Colorado Springs, contracted for the design and completion of a three-story frame residence on May 8, 1907. The house cost $20,476 and included indoor plumbing and steam heat. The Orchard House was a middle class home run with the assistance of three to five domestic servants. It provides the opportunity to contrast the lives of the upper middle-class and the domestic servant class during the early twentieth century.

Gift Shop: Enjoy a Sarsaparilla in the General Store. This Museum Store has a wide variety of historic reproductions, books and unique gifts.

Special Events: In addition to daily activities, special events abound at the Ranch. Enjoy an 1880's baseball game (Labor Day), musical performances, lectures, horse drawn equipment demonstrations and the annual Holiday Traditions Celebration (4th of July).

ADMISSION: Adults - $6, Seniors and Students - $4, Children (6-12) - $2, Teens (13-18) $4, under 6 - FREE. Call for Group rates.

Location: Off 30th Street by the entrance to the Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado Springs. For more information call 719-578-6777.