The first Monument area pioneers came from
Iowa in the 1860’s. They established farms and built homes of stone. Two landmarks
from those pioneer times are the large stands of willow trees north and to the east of
Monument, and the Stone Fort on the old McShane property built for protection from indian
raiders.
The Rio Grande Railroad was constructed in
1871 and brought commercial activity into the community. Monument became a center for
shipping potatoes, grain, mill products and cattle. It was first called Henry’s
Station.
Renamed for a nearby rock formation, the
Town of Monument was incorporated on June 2, 1879 by public election. Many small
businesses were established, including a physician, blacksmith, bottled beer business,
carriage shop, cheese factory, general merchandise store, boots and shoes store, hides and
pelts, newspaper, and builders. By the year 1880, the population had grown to 200
residents.
Water availability has always been a major
concern for the citizens of Monument. An irrigation ditch was used in 1875. The first
water system was installed in 1888, supplied by a well 60 feet deep. In 1923 a second well
was drilled producing exceptionally pure water at a rate of 60 gallons per minute (GPM).
Today Monument has six wells and is negotiating to purchase additional water rights.
The Monument Reservoir was constructed in
1889 by public subscription and State assistance to store water for the purpose of
irrigation and the good of the people for recreation, fishing and swimming. Ice was sold
from the lake in the early 1900’s.
Postal service began in 1869; David McShane
was the first postmaster. Until 1959 the post offices were located in private homes or
stores. The present post office was built in 1975 and has gained first class status.
The first park was donated in 1883 by
Charles Adams and is called Limbach Park. It is located on Front Street. A second park on
Beacon Lite Road, now called Pioneer Park, was acquired in the late 1960’s and is the
site of Pioneer Hall which was used by the Town Board of Trustees and Monument Volunteer
Fire Department in the early days for meetings. Monument’s largest park was developed
in the 1980’s and is called Dirty Woman Creek Park after a pioneer woman who lived in
an unkempt shack along the creek. The El Paso County Parks Department and Town of Monument
built a playing field for soccer, baseball, and football, in addition to a fishing pond,
and picnic areas. In 1982 the Tri-Lakes builders added a gazebo and play equipment area
for children.
The Hook and Ladder House was the first
fire house in Monument, built in 1894. The Monument Volunteer Fire Department was formally
organized in 1949. Fire protection is now provided by the Woodmoor-Monument Fire
Protection District.
In 1950 the Interstate 25 on the east side
of Monument was opened. The Port of Entry opened in 1957. The proximity of the highway has
caused the area’s tourist facilities and museums to flourish. Over 30,000 vehicles
pass through daily.
In the 1870’s during the potato
harvest, an annual Potato Bake was held. Over 1,500 people came to enjoy the event.
Farmers and merchants donated everything. It was a day of fun and enjoyment, with music,
dancing, games and free dinners. It was also good advertising for Monument potatoes.
Since the 1960’s Monument celebrates
the Fourth of July with a parade, a foot race from Palmer Lake, and fireworks in the
evening over Lake Woodmoor. This event attracts several thousand people each year.
With continued well-planned growth and
development, Monument lives up to its motto: "Proud of our Past, Confident of our
Future."
