Newport in the Rockies: The Life and Good Times of Colorado Springs

by Marshall Sprague

Details the events and individuals instrumental in the development of this phenomenal resort at the foot of Pike's Peak

Genres: History, Nonfiction

366 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1961

Reviews

[Joanne Huspek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent research book and a must for those writing about Colorado Springs.

[Max D'onofrio · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice book to learn the early history of Colorado Springs, even if the authors bias comes through often.

[Rachel Lo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colorado Springs told through collected gossip, and therefore thoroughly entertaining. Fact, fable, or fiction -- I believe these stories are authentically part of this city's past.

Regardless of the criticisms, I came away inspired to learn more about General Palmer and Spencer Penrose. Upon completion of this book I have added a number of things to my must-sees for this city:

The Pioneer Museum
Shrove Chapel and the Fine Arts Museum @ Colorado College
Glen Eyrie
Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun
CS Symphony on the 4th of July
Little London?

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this book in 1968 after I had just moved to Colorado Springs. From that time on I have quoted statistics and factoids from it like I was a native, and even worse, like I knew what I was talking about. Amazingly, I had retained some of the information correctly. At the time, NEWPORT IN THE ROCKIES had just been published and I was mad for the information. All these years later, the book makes even more sense. For its insight into early and current Colorado Springs, it should be handed out to all newcomers to the area. I admire Marshall Sprague's scholarship and research. He combed libraries in Denver and Colorado Springs for photographs and articles and reviewed countless "little" books that had been written before his time. Sprague extolls the accomplishments of General Palmer, Spencer Penrose, and my favorite, Winfield Scott Stratton. There are many women founders of Colorado Springs too. Some of them: Helen Hunt Jackson; Julie Penrose; Alice Bemis Taylor are city bywords. And, their healthy infusion of ideas and cultural benefits to the area are documented and recognized. Sprague has a sprightly writing style and an obvious sense of humour. I liked his workmanship even more this time around, I think. When I began working at the Penrose Library downtown in 1968, Mr. Sprague came into the library often. He was a very nice man and always generous with the people who helped him find things. I am honored that I could have ever met him, even though he didn't know me from Eve. Indexed with a bibliography and notes.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plenty of info on Colorado Springs history to be found here, but it can daunting to muddle through the details and dates to get a clear idea of the underlying story.

* update: For anyone local looking for a better piece by Sprague on the Springs, the library system has a book not listed on Goodreads called One Hundred Plus: A Centennial story of Colorado Springs. It is more concise and easy to follow, with photos accompanying each chapter of history through 1971.

[Zach · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm blessed to live in a place worthy of being written about. This book is a treasure and it's full of priceless stories to me because I live in Colorado Springs. No reason to belabor this point.

This book is written well enough, pretty well researched and unfortunately ends with a quick run through the latter part of the 20th century with countless names and sites and feels much less interesting. Otherwise I'm lucky to have read this book because of where I live.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read an earlier edition of this years ago, when I was less familiar with the history of Colorado Springs than I am now, and found it overwhelming. This edition is from 1987, including some events that I remember from when I first moved here. I especially enjoyed reading about how the Olympic Training Center came to Colorado Springs.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of the making of Colorado Springs. Mostly focused on Palmer and Penrose but also Stratton played a large part. This book begins post Civil War and goes to the 1990s. It focuses on the building of the city and people that made it possible. It’s interesting especially now that we’re residents.

[Steph · Rating 1 out of 5]

So poorly researched. Many of his claims have been debunked by historians and primary sources. It’s basically a book of gossip. Besides, it leaves out so many important stories of the city’s history.

[Jodiellsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved learning about my local history. Read in 1994

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't very interested in the history of Colorado Springs, so I'm not sure why I decided to read this book. But it was a good read, and I did learn a lot. The ending, however, was depressing. "Progress" always results in the destruction of natural features.

[Dee Renee Chesnut · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting history of dreamers, visionaries and some practical people whose determination and money influenced the development of Colorada Springs.

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was interesting overall, I am sure A LOT is left out about the lives of the main players who played a major role in getting Colorado Springs settled. A bit dry at times.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for anyone interested in the history of Colorado Springs. Fascinating stories!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good history of Colorado Springs

[Steph · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sprague wrote a nice gossip book, but little is backed by primary sources.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent, Colorado Springs has a rich history.