Fremont County, Colorado
An in-depth exploration of its geography, history, governance, and unique societal characteristics.
Discover Fremont County 👇 Explore Geography 🏞️Dive in with Flashcard Learning!
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮
County Overview
Location and Designation
Fremont County is situated in the state of Colorado, United States. As of the 2020 census, its population was recorded at 48,939 residents. The county seat and largest city is Cañon City. Fremont County forms the Cañon City, CO Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also integrated into the broader Pueblo-Cañon City, CO Combined Statistical Area.
Naming and Foundation
Established on November 1, 1861, Fremont County is named in honor of John C. Frémont, a prominent 19th-century explorer and presidential candidate. His expeditions significantly contributed to the mapping and understanding of the American West.
Historical Context
Early Establishment
Fremont County was officially founded in 1861, during the formative years of Colorado's territorial government. Its establishment reflects the early organization of administrative regions in the American West. The county's development is intrinsically linked to the exploration and settlement patterns of the era, particularly the contributions of its namesake, John C. Frémont.
Geographical Landscape
Area and Boundaries
Fremont County encompasses a total area of approximately 1,534 square miles (3,970 km²). Of this, 1,533 square miles (3,970 km²) consist of land, with a minimal 0.06% (0.9 sq mi or 2.3 km²) being water. The county is bordered by Teller, El Paso, Pueblo, Custer, Saguache, Chaffee, and Park counties, showcasing its central position within Colorado.
Infrastructure and Natural Areas
Key transportation arteries, including U.S. Highway 50 and State Highways 9, 67, 69, 115, and 120, traverse the county, facilitating connectivity. Fremont County also contains significant protected natural areas such as Pike National Forest, San Isabel National Forest, and the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. Additionally, the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area and the Gold Belt Tour National Scenic and Historic Byway highlight its recreational and scenic value.
Demographic Profile
Population Trends
The U.S. Census Bureau data indicates a population of 48,939 in 2020, with an estimated increase to 50,093 by 2024. The population density is approximately 32 people per square mile (12 per km²). Historically, the county has experienced significant population fluctuations, reflecting shifts in economic activity and migration patterns.
Household and Age Distribution
In 2000, Fremont County comprised 15,232 households, with an average household size of 2.43. The age distribution showed 20.60% under 18, with a median age of 39 years. The male-to-female ratio was notably skewed, with 133.90 males for every 100 females, particularly pronounced in the adult population.
Socioeconomic Indicators
The median household income in 2000 was $34,150, with families earning a median of $42,303. Approximately 8.30% of families and 11.70% of the total population lived below the poverty line, indicating areas of economic challenge within the county.
Governance and Politics
County Administration
Fremont County is governed by a three-member Board of County Commissioners, representing distinct districts. The County Administration Building in Cañon City houses various county offices, including assessor, clerk and recorder, coroner, treasurer, sheriff, and surveyor. The county consistently demonstrates strong conservative voting patterns, having favored Republican presidential candidates since 1964.
Electoral History
The county's voting history reveals a pronounced Republican majority in presidential elections from 1952 onwards, with notable exceptions in 1932, 1936, 1916, and 1912, reflecting broader national political shifts and local influences.
Corrections and Incarceration
Correctional Facilities Hub
Fremont County is notably recognized as a significant hub for correctional facilities. It hosts numerous state and federal prisons, including the ADX Florence, the sole federal supermax prison in the United States, part of the Federal Correctional Complex, Florence. This concentration of correctional institutions means that a substantial portion of the county's population consists of incarcerated individuals, significantly impacting its demographic statistics and local economy.
Incarceration Rate
As of March 2015, Fremont County led the nation in the proportion of its residents incarcerated, with approximately 20% of its population being held in county prisons. This statistic underscores the unique societal and economic role these facilities play within the county.
Communities and Settlements
Municipalities and Census Designated Places
Fremont County includes two cities: Cañon City (the county seat) and Florence. Several towns, such as Brookside, Coal Creek, Rockvale, and Williamsburg, are also part of the county's administrative structure. Additionally, numerous Census Designated Places (CDPs) like Coaldale, Cotopaxi, Howard, Lincoln Park, Park Center, and Penrose, along with various unincorporated communities and historical ghost towns, contribute to the county's diverse settlement patterns.
Educational Institutions
School Districts
Educational services within Fremont County are primarily managed by several school districts, including Cañon City School District RE-1, Cotopaxi School District RE-3, Fremont RE-2 School District, and Salida School District R-32, ensuring educational provision across the county's varied geographical and population centers.
Teacher's Corner
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio
Click here to open the "Fremont County Colorado" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit
Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.
True or False?
Test Your Knowledge!
Gamer's Corner
Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!
Play now
References
References
Feedback & Support
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page has been meticulously crafted by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing upon publicly available data from Wikipedia. It is intended solely for informational and educational purposes, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of Fremont County, Colorado. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and completeness, the content reflects a snapshot in time and may not encompass all nuances or the most current information.
This is not professional advice. The information presented here should not be construed as professional consultation regarding geography, history, governance, or any other specialized field. Readers are encouraged to consult official sources and qualified professionals for specific inquiries or applications of this information.
The creators of this page are not liable for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from the use of the information provided herein.