Gateway To the Southwest Banner

OUR HISTORY AS THE GATEWAY TO THE SOUTHWEST:

The Arkansas River was the norther border of the Republic of Mexico as shown on the map below of the Concession of Mexico in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. In 1848, Fort El Pueblo Trading Post had been an active settlement on the banks of the Arkansas River. Pueblo's historic location on the Arkansas river once an international border of Mexico and United States has contributed to its southwest culture and heritage.

The semi-arid desert landscape and geography around Pueblo is more like that of New Mexico and the southwest than it is of the high plains region. The historic Taos and Santa Fe Trails led settlers to the southwest. The Gateway will emphasize Pueblo's position along the I-25 corridor, the Front Range, association with southwest cities of Taos, Santa Fe and Albuquerque and as a gateway to the Southwest region of the Country.

Pueblo the central point to the Southwest

Pueblo as a Star in a middle of a map

HOW THIS HISTORIC PROJECT CREATES A NEW IDENTITY FOR ALL SOUTHEASTERN COLORADO

Gateway to the Southwest monumental sculptures will show everyone our pride and place. These monumental sculptures will tower nearly 4-stories above the Interstate presenting a significant and welcoming statement and image. Nearly 20 million cars and trucks will pass between the sculptures annually. This new image will reinforce Pueblo's identity as an important place of commerce, culture, arts, history, and economic development.

Pueblo is a community of proud people with a strong generational working and family ethic. Those of us who work and live in Pueblo and all Southeastern Colorado are proud of the creativity, energy and opportunities that are abundant while still honoring our roots. The names of Steel City, Home of Heroes, Experience the Flavor and Pueblo Chilies will all be inclusive with the new Gateway visual presentation.

Image of Aerial View of the Gateway to the Southwest Dillon Drive Bridge & I-25 Aerial View of the Gateway to the Southwest Dillon Drive Bridge & I-25 

Northbound I-25 view of the Gateway to the Southwest Dillon Drive BridgeNorthbound I-25 view of the Gateway to the Southwest Dillon Drive Bridge 

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