COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- General William Jackson Palmer founded Colorado Springs in the 1800s. He envisioned a conservative, resort-style community with parks and recreation avaiable for all. When gold was discovered in the Pikes Peak region, that's when Spencer Penrose came to town.
Spencer Penrose, a younger generation, allegedly enjoyed the edgier side of life. The difference in the philosophies of the two have led to rumors of a feud. But is there any documentation of a rivalry?
Some stories revolve around Penrose riding his horse in to the Antlers bar. General Palmer owned the Antlers. The legend goes that Penrose was kicked out of the bar. To add insult to injury, when Penrose offered to buy the hotel, he was turned down. That is when he built the Broadmoor.
There is not strict documentation of the horse incident. However, the raised "a" in the name "Broadmoor" has been suggestion to be a cut at the Antler's hotel. However, Penrose could have branded it this way to make it easier to trademark.
Ultimately, there is nothing that confirms that Palmer and Penrose even met. However, their legacies within the city continue to live on, and the culture of Colorado Springs reflects the ideas of the early pioneers.
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TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKXRM