Founded in 1871 by General William Palmer, Colorado Springs is nestled at the base of Pikes Peak. Situated at an altitude of 6,035 feet, the community thrives on tremendous natural beauty, 13,000 acres of parks, many public and private golf courses, dozens of shopping centers, four major hospitals, and 17 colleges and universities. Population in the area tops 500,000 with manufacturing, high technology, tourism, sports, nonprofits, and space/defense ranking as key industries within the economy. Springs residents gratefully share their hometown with NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command), Peterson Air Force Base, the Air Force Academy, Shriever Air Force Base, Fort Carson and, most recently, Northern Command. For articles pertaining to Colorado and Colorado Springs, click here.