ANUBIS

Similar to Denver’s Cheesman Park, Pioneer Park holds a dark secret. Like it’s cousin to the north, Pioneer Park was once a cemetery. Originally, the cemetery (then part of Colorado City) was known as Mesa Cemetery; a Masonic cemetery (El Paso Lodge No. 13 was nearby). Some of the burials were relocated to Evergreen Cemetery and other cemeteries after the cemetery was abandoned in the early 1900's due to disrepair and neglect. In the 1930's a WPA project "temporarily" removed the remaining tombstones, but they were never returned. According to the Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph (January 13, 1977), tests showed the presence of perhaps more than 250 coffins under the park. A memorial stands at the entrance of the park to remember those whom still may be interned beneath the ground of this scenic location. Etched at the top of the memorial is a covered wagon pulled by two oxen with the dates 1858-1903. Below the wagon is the inscription "Memorial to El Paso County Early Pioneers."

 

The ghost of Marie Tinville, a love story that ended in tragedy, is believed to be one of the many ghosts whom continue to haunt this location. Her spirit, as well as others, linger. Probably to protest that their sacred place of rest is now disrupted by the recreational activities of the living playing just above their bodies.

 

Join us on this one-hour tour, to learn more of the history and the stories of tragedy, greed, and loss, as you explore this area with our informative and entertaining tour guide.

 

** Please remember to dress appropriately, as the weather is known to change without warning. **