General Palmer – The time has come!
Larry J. Fontana.
No one can deny that General Palmer was a compelling figure and benefactor in the life, spirit and history of Colorado Springs. To honor the many contributions the general has made to Colorado Springs, a bronze statue was presented by its creator, Nathan D. Potter of New York City, and now stands where it was unveiled in 1929 (Colorado Springs,) at the intersection of E. Platte and N. Nevada.
In spite of Palmer’s, many accomplishments and the gratitude of the citizens of Colorado Springs, has the time come to move the statue to one of the beautiful parks in the city, specifically, Acacia Park, which is only a few hundred yards away from the current location. General Palmer himself preferred the horse to the newly invented automobile. Ironically, his statue is located in the heart of city traffic.
William Jackson Palmer leaves behind a legacy such as: the land-grantor of several institutions in Colorado Springs, including the Union Printer’s Home, Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind, Palmer High School, Lewis-Palmer High School in Monument and several churches to name a few.
William Jackson Palmer died on March 13, 1909 at the age of 72. He was buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The Palmer family’s home in Glen Eyrie is now owned by The Navigators.
Let’s not confuse the honor due to General Palmer for all he has given to the city of Colorado Springs, and the nostalgia generated by his memory. Ask yourself, has the time come to move his statue to a location that provides the peace and safety of the community (see mockup photo) and to show that Colorado Springs can be a progressive city as well as a practical and considerate one.
Moving General Palmer’s statue to Acacia Park or another suitable location, to honor his memory, is a great way to accomplish these goals!
Originally Published in the Gazette Fresh Ink, by Larry Fontana, Oct 2013
