Colorado City was the first city south of Denver to be laid out and platted in 1859, while it was still part of the Kansas Territory. It provided the means for gold miners heading over the mountains to Cripple Creek, Leadville and South Park. There were 300 residents there in the winter of 1860. In February 1861 the Colorado Territory was officially recognized and Colorado City was the commercial and agricultural hub for the newly created El Paso County. Colorado Springs was founded to the east in 1872 and Colorado City was referred to as "Old Town." In 1917 Colorado City was annexed into the city of Colorado Springs with approval of its residents. In 1983 Colorado City became a National Historic District and it is popular with sightseers and shoppers.