Fremont County

Fremont County’s scenic canyons and attractive climate make it a great place to live for its nearly 50,000 residents. The county is named for 19th century explorer and presidential candidate, John C. Fremont.

Millions of years ago, dinosaurs roamed the land and left behind fossils and other signs of their existence; hot springs erupted, and erosion carved the majestic Royal Gorge canyon, which has been a focal point of Fremont County for hundreds of years.

Coal camps arrived in the 1800’s and the first oil well west of the Mississippi River was drilled in Fremont County. Small towns in the county prospered and some eventually became ghost towns. Colorado Territory Prison was built in the county in 1871 and since that time, Fremont County has been home to a large number of state and federal correction facilities.

The scenic canyons in the area began attracting filmmakers in the early 1900’s when cowboy star, Tom Mix starred in a silent film shot in the area. Since then, numerous films have been made in Fremont County.