Douglas County encompasses the pioneer spirit, as evidenced by the beauty of its mountains, plains and foothills. The county was formed in 1861 by the Colorado Territorial Session Laws, and was named after the U.S. Senator and Democrat Stephen A. Douglas, who battled Abraham Lincoln over issues of sovereignty, the Kansas-Nebraska Act and popular sovereignty.
Geography
Douglas County consists of approximately 843 square miles, 96 of which are protected through the county’s Open Space Program. More than 146,000 acres of land is home to the Castlewood Canyon State Park, the Chatfield State Recreation Area, Roxborough State Park and the Pike National Forest. The five municipalities of Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Lone Tree, Larkspur and Parker are located within the county’s boundaries.
Economy
In 2009, Douglas County was ranked No. 5 in the U.S. for “Job Growth Over the Last Eight Years by Money Magazine.” In 2004, the county was ranked No. 4 in the national for “Quality of Life” by American City Business Journals (ACBJ). Suburban developments have replaced the county’s ranching economy, and most residents commute to the metropolitan areas outside the county to work.
Recreation
Douglas County is perhaps best known for its annual County Fair, which held at the Douglas County Fairgrounds and Events Center. The center is located between Colorado Springs and Denver in Castle Rock, Colorado. The center provides facilities to accommodate entertainment, recreational, civic, business and youth activities for the community with an appreciation for the agricultural history and urbanization of Douglas County, Colorado.
