In December 1871, the settlers of Fountain Colony, which would later become Colorado Springs, gathered to celebrate their first Christmas on the Colorado plains. The settlement had only been founded a few months earlier by General William Jackson Palmer as part of his vision for a planned community at the base of Pikes Peak.
At that time, Fountain Colony was little more than a collection of rough buildings and tents. Only a small number of families were present for the holiday, including Mary “Queen” Palmer, wife of General Palmer, and Rose Georgina Kingsley, an English writer who documented her experiences among the early pioneers.
Despite limited resources and harsh conditions, Queen Palmer organized what is believed to be the first Christmas party and Christmas tree in the area. She had opened the town’s first school just two months before and brought together children and families for a celebration that mixed frontier life with traditions from back East.
Rose Kingsley later described the holiday meal as featuring oyster stew and roasted antelope—an example of how settlers combined familiar customs with local ingredients. The Christmas tree was likely decorated with handmade ornaments and candles.
The event marked more than just a festive gathering; it symbolized hope, belonging, and perseverance for those living in an unsettled land. Within a year, Fountain Colony would take on its new name: Colorado Springs.
Many of these early settlers are now buried in Evergreen Cemetery. Their legacy includes establishing traditions that have shaped the city’s identity from its earliest days.
