Falcon, Colorado facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Falcon, Colorado
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 Falcon, Colorado
Location in Colorado
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| Country | United States |
| State | Colorado |
| County | El Paso |
| Elevation | 6,831 ft (2,082 m) |
| Population
(2009)
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| • Total | 10,514 |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (Mountain Standard Time) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-6 (Mountain Daylight Time) |
| ZIP code |
80831 (Peyton)
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| Area code(s) | 719 |
Falcon is a growing community in El Paso County, Colorado, United States. It's not officially a town or city, but an "unincorporated community." Falcon is located about 14 miles northeast of Colorado Springs.
Long ago, Falcon was a busy railroad center. For many years, it was a quiet area with mostly ranches. But starting in the 1990s, many new homes were built. This growth has continued a lot since then. In 2009, about 10,514 people lived in Falcon. The mail for Falcon comes from the U.S. Post Office in Peyton, Colorado.
Contents
History of Falcon
In 1888, railroad tracks were built through the area we now call Falcon. First, the Denver and New Orleans railroad came through in 1882. Then, the Chicago and Rock Island railroad arrived in 1888. Where these two train lines met became an important spot in Falcon.
On September 20, 1888, the name "Falcon, Colorado" was first announced. A company linked to the Chicago Rock Island Railroad started selling land lots. By 1896, Falcon was a busy place. It had two hotels, a newspaper, six saloons, and two train stations. There were also two general stores, a blacksmith shop, and a school.
Over time, fewer people traveled by train because cars became popular. A big flood in 1935 washed out some train tracks, and they were not rebuilt. The main railroad crossing in Falcon closed down. By 1975, only a few homes and the school remained near the old railroad spot.
In 1984, a new business area was built. It included a convenience store and a gas station. In the early 1990s, many new homes started to be built in Falcon. The number of people living there almost doubled between 1990 and 2000.
As Falcon grew, more stores and services came to the area. A Safeway grocery store opened in 2000. A Wal-Mart store was approved in 2005. In May 2007, people in Falcon voted on whether to become an official town. Most people voted against it, so Falcon remains an unincorporated community.
Geography and Nature
Falcon is located at 38.9383° North and 104.6009° West. It is about 14 miles northeast of downtown Colorado Springs. People in Falcon often go to Colorado Springs for services they can't find closer to home.
Falcon is mostly a dry grassland area. It has a dry season in the fall and spring. There is a period of more rain towards the end of summer. North of Falcon is Black Forest, which is a wooded area with many dark evergreen and pine trees.
Falcon Neighborhoods
Some of the neighborhoods in Falcon include:
- Antler's Ridge
- The Meadows
- Elkhorn Estates
- Meridian Ranch
- Woodmen Hills
- Paint Brush Hills (which used to be called "Falcon Hills")
- Falcon Heights
- Sunny Slope Estates (an older neighborhood with larger land plots, good for livestock)
Meadow Lake Airport
Meadow Lake Airport (FLY) has been open since 1967. It is located southeast of Highway 24. This airport is owned by pilots and can be used by the public. It helps take some air traffic away from bigger airports.
Arts and Culture in Falcon
The Black Squirrel Creek Bridge is a historic site near Falcon and Peyton, Colorado. It was an old bridge that was taken apart and replaced with a new one in 2012.
On October 16, 2010, the High Prairie Library opened. It is a branch of the Pikes Peak Library District.
In 2004, the Antler Creek Golf Course opened. It is known for being the longest golf course in Colorado. It is also the second-longest golf course in the entire country!
Education in Falcon
Most students in Falcon go to schools in Falcon School District 49. However, some students choose to attend schools in other districts in El Paso County.
District 49 has four high schools:
- Falcon High School
- Vista Ridge High School
- Sand Creek High School
- Patriot Learning Center
The area has grown very quickly. Because of this, the school district has gained about 1,100 new students each year recently.
Religion in Falcon
Falcon has many different churches and religious groups. Some of these include:
- Falcon Baptist Church
- Family of Faith Lutheran Church
- Gathering Stones Community Church
- Grace Community Church
- Meridian Point Church
- missio Dei: Falcon
- Sagecreek Community Church
- St. Benedict Catholic Church
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- The Thai Buddhist Wat Buddhanimit Temple
