Fountain, Colorado

Welcome to Fountain, Colorado, a charming home rule municipality located in El Paso County. With a population of 29,802 as of the 2020 United States Census, Fountain has experienced a +15.31% increase since the 2010 United States Census. The city is a part of the Colorado Springs, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Front Range Urban Corridor. Fountain is located just 10 miles (16 km) south of downtown Colorado Springs and just east of Fort Carson. The city, along with the Colorado Springs suburbs Security and Widefield, make up the Fountain Valley community.

History:
Fountain was built in 1859 as a railroad shipping center for local ranches and farms. The town was named for Fountain Creek and was incorporated in 1900. The city has a rich history, including a train wreck known as The Blast, which occurred in Fountain during the spring of 1888. The accident killed three people and created a large crater in the ground forty feet in diameter and fifteen feet deep. The Blast remains an important event in the city’s history and is commemorated with an annual street dance held at Fountain’s City Hall Plaza each July. In 1999, Fountain was chosen as America’s Millennium City by The New York Times. Fountain was named an All-America City in 2002 by the National Civic League. The city is also the home of Pikes Peak International Raceway.

Geography:
Fountain is located at 38°41′38″N 104°41′53″W (38.693787, -104.698156). At the 2020 United States Census, the town had a total area of 14,416 acres (58.341 km2) including 16 acres (0.064 km2) of water. The eponymous Fountain Creek flows south through the city.

Demographics:
As of the census of 2000, there were 15,197 people, 5,039 households, and 4,061 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,085.7 inhabitants per square mile (419.2/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 75.07% White, 8.74% African American, 1.41% Native American, 2.01% Asian, 0.55% Pacific Islander, 6.71% from other races, and 5.50% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 15.06% of the population. The median income for a household in the city was $42,121, and the median income for a family was $44,735.

Transportation:
Fountain has a municipal run bus that links the city with Pikes Peak State College. Fountain is also part of the Bustang network, which provides it intercity transportation. It is along the Lamar-Pueblo-Colorado Springs Outrider line.

Notable People:
Chase Headley, MLB – New York Yankees
Peter La Farge, singer-songwriter (The Ballad of Ira Hayes), raised and buried in Fountain
Phil Loadholt, NFL – Minnesota Vikings
Jon Watts, film director
Pete Nelson, tree house designer and builder

Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor activities, or just a relaxing getaway, Fountain, Colorado has something for everyone. Come visit and experience the charm and beauty of this hidden gem in El Paso County.