AREAS

Monument was settled by Iowan's heading to California for the gold rush. With great soil and water, many stayed to farm the land. Monument was originally known as Henry Station, named after the first mayor, Henry Limbach. When the railroad came to town in the 1870's, the name was changed to reflect the beautiful rock formations west of town.<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><br><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><br><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->Monument was incorporated in 1879. At this time, Monument consisted mostly of potato farmers and the divide potatoes were known as the best in the country. Rye, oats and corn were also farmed in the area. In late December, ice harvest season began. Ice houses were packed and the ice was used to refrigerate railroad cars for shipping in the summer. By the1890s Monument was the main shipping point on the D&RG Railroad. In the early 1900's a dairy and nursery became local industries.<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><br><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><br><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->In 1954, the Air Force Academy campus was established six miles south of the town. Today, Monument is primarily a bedroom community with a large academy and retired military community. Conveniently located along I-25, many residents commute to Colorado Springs, Denver and Pueblo for work.<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><br><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->