Colorado has seen its fair share of crazy since becoming a state in 1876... but the craziest thing to happen in recent years might just be the story of Charles Abbott and his attorney, Soloman the Owl. What is so crazy about this case in particular? Well, for starters...
Unfortunately for Abbott, the judge wasn't humored by Soloman or his supposed expertise and essentially ignored the well-educated bird. Abbott was in court for violating a protection order against his former roommate.
Folks; I am not making this up. Do you think this is one of the most funny things that happened in Colorado? Or do you have another bit of Colorado history in mind? Let us know!
If you're passionate about the wackier parts of Colorado's past and present, you can always unplug, grab your trusty road atlas, and get on the road to hunt down some of the most interesting roadside attractions in Colorado.
Have you ever wondered where was the first rodeo in America? While many out-of-staters associate Colorado with legal marijuana and skiing, there is another side to the Centennial State that many do not realize: Colorado is THE place for cowboys and rodeos! In fact, not only does Colorado host the iconic National Western Stockshow, but we also hosted the first rodeo in America!
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Welcome to Deer Trail, a tiny Eastern Plains town that hosted the first rodeo in Colorado. Not only that, but it was the first-ever rodeo in the country.
Taking place on July 4, 1869, the Deer Trail Rodeo in Colorado consisted of many of the same things you will find in modern rodeos, including the "Bronco Bustin' Contest," where area ranchers rode their outlaw horses and fought tooth and nail not to be kicked off.
Though other cities and states may try to lay claim to hosting the first rodeo, Deer Trail has proven to be the actual location, thanks to its records in the Guinness Book of World Records, Colorado State Legislature, Pro-Rodeo Hall of Fame, and the History. Channel.
When you visit the Deer Trail Rodeo today, you will experience the rough riding excitement from that first show, plus bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, and much more.
Benet Hill Monastery is an enchanted place in Colorado. Are you familiar with monasteries? They are home to spiritual communities of people who live under religious vows, and they are just as aesthetically pleasing as you would expect. While monasteries may sound like places you can only find in Europe or old-world countries, you can actually find quite a few here in the Centennial State, including this hidden one that you will want to visit. Let's take a look at one of the prettiest monasteries in Colorado Springs!
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The heavenly Benet Hill Monastery serves the purpose of providing a beautiful and sacred space of hospitality.
It is also an educational resource that includes increased growth in spirituality and other ministries. "We do this with all God’s people with a special emphasis on women."
Though the Benedictine Tradition - which encourages communities to come together and seek God - has been around for more than 1,500 years, the Benet Hill Monastery was not formed until the early 1960s.
Benet Hill Monastery was created after the Benedictine Community of Mount St. Scholastica in Kansas purchased land in the Springs in an effort to expand.
In addition to being home to a religious organization, the Benet Hill Monastery serves the community in a number of different ways, including hosting retreats...
And the Benedictine sisters here do beautiful work in many different ways, including operating a thrift store in Colorado Springs, hosting a concert series dedicated to traditional chamber music, and raising awareness for social justice programs and human trafficking prevention organizations.
The Colorado monastery is a gift to the public in so many ways.
Please check in at the monastery so people know you're there in case of an emergency.
Discover more on the monastery's website. Do you know of this gorgeous structure? Have you visited this enchanted place? Please share your experiences in the comments below. View more Benet Hill Monastery photos on the Sisters of Benet Hill Monastery Facebook page.
Discover why Colorado Springs is one of the most desirable places to live in America. And while you're there, plan a trip and reserve a room on Expedia.com.
