Colorado Springs is steeped in Old West history—and if tales of cowboys, prospectors and pioneers fascinate you, you’ll find a kindred community in the Pikes Peak Posse of the Westerners.

Each month, 50 to 80 members gather at the Colorado Springs Masonic Center to share a meal and a passion for Western lore. The group includes everyone from casual history buffs to published authors and educators. Guests are always welcome. 

Nikki Stratton tells how her grandfather was rescued on the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

The evening begins with dinner, followed by a presentation on Western history. Past topics have ranged from the death of Billy the Kid to an exploration of controversial murals at the Fine Arts Center.

Members also enjoy historical tours to places like Cherokee Ranch and Castle, the Penrose Heritage Museum and Union Printers Home, offering firsthand glimpses into the region’s colorful past.

The Posse has leadership titles inspired by classic Western archetypes: the “sheriff” leads the group, the “deputy sheriff” coordinates programming and the “chuck wrangler” keeps everyone well fed.

Bob DeWitt found ghost towns and mining camps for a metal-detecting club he joined in 1984—and the rest is history.

Longtime member Bob DeWitt, 62, has worn just about every hat, including sheriff, deputy sheriff, chuck wrangler and media wrangler. 

“[My wife] Dorothy and I live and breathe Colorado history,” he said. “We started collecting Colorado history groups in the ’90s.” 

The DeWitts belong to nearly 30 historical organizations across the Front Range. They joined the Pikes Peak Posse in 2002. 

Local chapters are known as “corrals.” According to DeWitt, there are 57 active corrals across 17 U.S. states—and 18 more in eight other countries. 

In 2022, the Pikes Peak corral hosted the Westerners International gathering. Presentations highlighted topics like the surprising ties between early Colorado lawmen and outlaws, and the city’s history as a hub for tuberculosis treatments. Attendees also explored the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, Garden of the Gods and Flying W Ranch.

Members help preserve the West’s legacy in all kinds of creative ways:

• Larry Obermesik, 63, published “The Lost Gold Rush Journals,” chronicling prospector Daniel Jenk’s nail-biting adventures across the American West.
• Judy von Ahlefeldt, 81, wrote “Thunder, Sun, and Snow,” detailing Black Forest’s history.
• Dave Martinek, 79, presented on the “King of Cripple Creek”—mogul Albert Carlton and organizes the Midland Days Symposium, honoring the Colorado Midland Railway.
• Mel McFarland, 80, a former Pikes Peak Cog Railway engineer, gave a talk on Wyoming’s nuclear program.
• Patricia Butler Spiers, 68, produced “They Came for Coal,” a documentary 
• Don Bailey, 75, owns the Bailey Saddle Shop and Museum in Elbert County, home to more than 400 antique saddles, vintage cars and Old West relics.

If the adventures of the Old West speak to your soul, the Pikes Peak Posse of the Westerners invites you to keep the Wild West spirit alive with them. 

Saddle up with the Westerners!

Learn more, including upcoming presentations, at PikesPeakWesterners.square.site or call 719-473-0330.

Monthly meetings are held the second Monday at the Colorado Springs Masonic Center, 1150 Panorama Drive. Dinner ($20) starts at 6:30 p.m.

Membership is $15 per year

Want to explore the Home of the Secret Bookshop? It features a large collection of books and ephemera on Colorado history. Email [email protected]