Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Florence
Lying in the southeastern Colorado lowlands, amid the old pasturelands and, relatively
speaking, devoid of the sort of mountain views that define much of the state, is the flower-
ing of something funky and beautiful. Here's a town in transition from depressed farming
community to regional magnet for the antique-collector set. People come from across Col-
orado to sift through bins and hunt for gems almost every weekend, while the area's shop
owners work together to promote their goods. It's a nice cooperative movement, with
more than a dozen galleries lined up on historic Main St.
The award-winning Florence Rose ( 719-784-4734; www.florencerose.net ; 1305 W 3rd St; r $139-239;
) is a cute B&B that provides a nicer alternative to staying in Cañon City.
Florence is about 8 miles southeast of Cañon City. To get here take 9th St south across
the river and you'll be on Colorado Hwy 115, which takes a rather sinuous route on its
way to Florence. You'll need to look out for the signs to make sure you stay on the right
road.
THE SANTA FE TRAIL
One of the great overland trade routes of the 19th century, the Santa Fe Trail stretched from Missouri to New
Mexico (a Mexican province from 1821 to 1848), bringing manufactured European and American goods west,
and Mexican silver and Native American jewelry, blankets and furs east. The 800-mile route took seven to eight
weeks to cross with a covered wagon, and was defined by monotony and hardship. Near Dodge City in Kansas,
the route divided in two: the southern road (Cimarron Route) cut down into New Mexico, and was shorter but
more dangerous, due to a lack of water and hostile Native Americans. The northern road (Mountain Route) con-
tinued through Bent's Fort and Trinidad in Colorado and was longer but safer. With the expansion of the railroad
west, trade along the route eventually diminished, coming to a close in 1880. You can drive the route today, fol-
lowing Hwys 56, 50 and 350.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search