Pueblo

Understand

History

Before Europeans came to the region, the indigenous Ute, Arapaho, and Cheyenne peoples lived in the area since prehistoric times. Eventually though, Spanish colonists came into the region. Eventually, a trading post and fort named El Pueblo was established by trappers, hunters, and traders of various backgrounds. However, a massacre occurred at the post causing its abandonment. Eventually, railroads began to run through the area and prompt growth causing the establishment of multiple cities which all eventually consolidated into the City of Pueblo. The city became a major economic center especially in regards to steel, thanks to the steel mill, operated by Colorado Fuel and Iron (CF&I), southeast of the city's center. The steel mills brought significant immigration to Pueblo, with immigrants from all around the world, such as Italians, Slovenian, German, Japanese, Lithuanian, African-American, Russian, and even more, all coming to Pueblo. This made the city incredibly diverse, over 40 languages spoken in the steel mill and over a dozen non-English newspapers were being printed. Unfortunately, a great flood due to the Arkansas river destroyed the downtown and the economy, and made many of the residents of Pueblo leave. Since then, Pueblo has become known for having four medal of honor recipients, a military decoration awarded to Americans who have distinguished themselves in wartime with valor. Pueblo is unique in this regard because it is tied for the most recipients of the Medal of Honor with Holland, Michigan.

Climate

Pueblo has an arid climate, with hot summer days and mild winters. It generally snows less in Pueblo compared to other areas of Colorado, generally snowing the most in January with little precipitation year-round, and lots of sunshine. Stay hydrated in Pueblo, as the arid climate can be intense.

Talk

The majority of people in Pueblo speak English as their primary language. There are many people who speak Spanish as their primary or only language, however knowing Spanish is not required at all, and you can get around just fine with English.

Get in

By car

Pueblo is on Interstate Highway 25, about 45 miles south of Colorado Springs, 120 miles south of Denver, and 100 miles north of the New Mexico border. US Route 50 connects Pueblo to points east and west.

By plane

Go Pueblo Memorial Airport (PUB)

It has commuter service from Denver with United Express.

⚠ Last checked Apr 2020 — confirm before you go

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Colorado Springs Airport (COS) is the closest full-service airport.

Get around

By car

Cars are the primary form of transportation in Pueblo. There is plenty of parking around the city, and in the downtown area there are city-owned parking lots.

By bus

The City Of Pueblo Transit is the city's bus operator. Fares are $1.00 for one-way & $3.00 for a day pass. However, the busses are infrequent (one per hour) and only run from around 6:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the afternoon on weekdays, and 8:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the afternoon on Saturdays. The busses do not run on Sundays. It is also difficult to get around with the busses, as all of the lines only really connect at the center of town. Making it take a long time to get from one part of town to the other.

By bicycle

The city of Pueblo has many bicycle routes throughout the town, and some bicycle lanes, some being separated from cars and some being shared. Shared lanes should be signed.

Go next

• Bishop Castle, 12705 State Highway 165, in the village of Rye, 719 485 3040. A quirky one-man construction project in progress since 1971 started by the late Jim Bishop, open to visitors during daylight hours year-round. The structure features, among other things, a 160-foot-tall tower, a dragon-shaped chimney, and a ballroom. You can climb to the top of the castle, or just snap a photo and keep driving. Donations are appreciated.