Welcome to Castle Rock
Named for its iconic castle-shaped butte, perched above downtown. The sizable interstate community’s population has grown over the last several decades, with an estimated population of around 70,000 residents in 2020. It’s located on I-25, south of Denver, well before Colorado Springs. It resides at an elevation of 6,224 feet in Douglas County. There is a historic district with plenty of restaurants and some small shops downtown. For dining try Castle Cafe, a former hotel and bar, now known for its family-style dishes including a pan-fried chicken dinner.
History
Located in an area shielded from the harsh winter storms of the mountains and just outside the reach of the extreme heat of the plains, the Colorado Front Range foothills offered an excellent location for Native Americans and the game they sought for food. One of the original homesteaders, Jeremiah Gould, owned 160 acres south of "The Rock." At that time, the community consisted of just a few shacks for prospectors, quarry workers and other hired hands. In 1874, Gould donated 120 acres to "be known as Castle Rock." It was then that the six streets named Elbert, Jerry, Wilcox, Perry, Castle and Front were laid out. The Courthouse Square was designated, and 77 lots, each 50 by 112 feet, were auctioned for a total of $3,400.
One of the original homesteaders, Jeremiah Gould, owned 160 acres south of "The Rock." In 1874, Gould donated 120 acres to "be known as Castle Rock." It was then that the six streets named Elbert, Jerry, Wilcox, Perry, Castle and Front were laid out. The Courthouse Square was designated, and 77 lots, each 50 by 112 feet, were auctioned for a total of $3,400.
