Rhiannon Hendricks
The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is a popular wedding destination. The shrine, which is situated at nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area, including Colorado Springs and the Eastern Plains. It is named after Will Rogers, an American humorist who died in a plane crash during its construction. The shrine features a commemorative tower and chapel, as well as the tombs of Spencer and Julie Penrose, who commissioned the shrine in 1937. In addition to its historical significance, the shrine provides a unique and scenic setting for weddings and other special events.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, Colorado Springs, Colorado |
| Elevation | 8,136 feet (2,480 m) |
| Year of Construction | 1937 |
| Height | 100 feet (30 m) |
| Architecture | Romanesque Revival |
| Materials Used | Granite, steel, cement, iron, brass, ceramic tile |
| Features | Observation tower, chapel, tombs of Spencer and Julie Penrose, Jo Davidson's statue of Will Rogers, Chinese sculptures, Randall Davey's mural |
| Accessibility | Accessible through the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, requires purchasing admission to the zoo |
| Photography Policy | Professional and amateur photography is not allowed |
| Wedding Venue | Yes, Will Rogers Gardens is available for weddings and special events |
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What You'll Learn
Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, Colorado Springs
The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun is a commemorative tower and chapel on Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It is named after Will Rogers, an American actor, philosopher, and humorist, who died in a plane crash in Alaska in 1935 during the shrine's construction. The shrine is also a tomb for the remains of Spencer Penrose, a philanthropist and developer who built many of the city's prominent properties, including the neighbouring Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and The Broadmoor resort, and his wife, Julie Penrose.
The shrine, which was completed in 1937, is situated at 8,136 feet (2,480 m) in elevation, nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, and offers breathtaking views of Colorado Springs, the Pikes Peak Region, and the Eastern Plains. It is accessible through the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and provides expansive views of the surrounding area. The tower is an architectural marvel, standing 100 feet (30 m) tall with five stories. The shrine is made of Romanesque Revival architecture with buttresses, an ornately decorated iron and brass door, and narrow leaded windows. It is constructed of granite, steel, cement, iron, and brass, with a ceramic tile roof, and features terrazzo floors, marble, and ironwork on the interior.
The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun houses several notable cultural attractions, including a 340-square-foot mural by renowned Santa Fe artist Randall Davey, which depicts the history of the Pikes Peak region. The mural was commissioned by Spencer and Julie Penrose in honour of their love for the local area and its rich history. The shrine also contains a photographic history of Will Rogers, from his early childhood days in Oklahoma through his career on stage, screen, and radio. The last mural is of Will and Wiley Post, taken just before the fatal crash. A set of Westminster chimes are played on a vibraharp every quarter-hour or every hour, and songs and classical music have been broadcast from the tower over the years.
The chapel within the shrine contains the tombs of Spencer and Julie Penrose, as well as Horace Devereux and Harry Leonard. The chapel is accessible through a separate entrance on the lower level and was decorated by Julie Penrose in the 1940s with 15th and 16th-century religious relics. Visitors can learn about the history of the shrine, the Penroses, and Will Rogers through new exhibits and interpretative panels. The viewing deck provides a bird's-eye view of Colorado Springs and its surroundings.
The grounds of the shrine are encircled by a stone wall made from a single block of pink granite quarried from Cheyenne Mountain. Within the stone walls are Jo Davidson's statue of Will Rogers, Chinese sculptures, and native plants. Admission to the shrine is free, however, visitors must purchase admission to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo to access the road leading to the shrine. Visitors are encouraged to take photos on their smartphones, but professional or amateur photography shoots and private events are not allowed.
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Architecture, views, and history
The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, also known as the Will Rogers Shrine, is a commemorative tower and chapel on Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It is situated at an elevation of 8,136 feet, nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, and offers breathtaking views of Colorado Springs, the Pikes Peak Region, and the Eastern Plains. The shrine is accessible through the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, which is located about 1.4 miles up the Russell Tutt Scenic Highway from the zoo entrance.
The shrine's architecture is impressive and distinctive. Designed by local architect Charles E. Thomas, it features Romanesque Revival architecture with buttresses, an ornately decorated iron and brass door, narrow leaded windows, and a ceramic-tiled roof. The building is constructed of granite, steel, cement, iron, and brass, with no wood or nails used in its construction. The interior boasts terrazzo floors, marble, and ironwork, with stairs leading to the upper floors. The shrine stands 100 feet tall and consists of a five-story tower, a one-story building with a chapel, and a staircase connecting the two.
The shrine is named in a two-part tribute. Firstly, it captures the morning and evening sun, illuminating the tower's stark angles. Secondly, it honours actor, philosopher, and humourist Will Rogers, who died in a plane crash in 1935 during the shrine's construction. The shrine houses a memorial to Rogers, with images of his life displayed throughout the interior and a photographic history of his life showcased on the upper floors.
The shrine also serves as the final resting place for Spencer and Julie Penrose, philanthropists and developers who built the neighbouring Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and The Broadmoor resort. Their tombs are located in the shrine's chapel on the lower level. The shrine features a 340-square-foot mural by renowned Santa Fe artist Randall Davey, depicting the history of the Pikes Peak region and the area's historical figures and events.
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The life and death of Will Rogers
William Penn Adair Rogers, more commonly known as Will Rogers, was born on November 4, 1879, in the Dog Iron Ranch of the Cherokee Nation of Indian Territory, near present-day Oologah, Oklahoma. His parents, Clement V. (Clem) Rogers and Mary America Schrimsher, were both of mixed race with Cherokee ancestry and considered themselves Cherokee. Rogers himself would later refer to his ancestors as having been a part of "The Trail of Tears".
Rogers dropped out of school at the age of 17 and headed west, working at several ranches along the way. He wound up in South Africa, where he found a job spinning ropes in the Wirth Brothers circus Wild West show. He soon became known as the "Cherokee Kid" due to his impressive trick roping skills. After returning to Oklahoma in 1904, Rogers continued to pursue a career in show business and created his own vaudeville act, which he toured across the United States and Europe.
In 1912, Rogers appeared in his first Broadway show, "The Wall Street Girl", where he demonstrated his roping skills between acts. He continued to perform in several other shows, adding spoken ad-libs to his previously silent act, and poking fun at prominent audience members and commenting on political news. By 1916, he had become a featured star in Ziegfeld's Follies on Broadway, and his popularity led to a shift towards satire, as he transformed from the "Ropin' Fool" to the "Talkin' Fool". Rogers went on to star in several films, including "Laughing Bill Hyde" in 1918, and his first talking picture, "They Had to See Paris", in 1929. He also wrote books, articles, and a syndicated newspaper column, and was a popular radio personality and after-dinner speaker.
On August 15, 1935, at the height of his popularity, Rogers died in a plane crash near Point Barrow, Alaska. His final two films, "Steamboat 'Round the Bend" and "In Old Kentucky", were released posthumously that same year. The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is named in tribute to the actor, philosopher, and humorist, and serves as the final resting place for Spencer and Julie Penrose, who commissioned the shrine in 1937. The shrine features a commemorative tower and chapel, with images of Rogers' life displayed throughout its interior, as well as a photographic history of his life and career.
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The legacy of Spencer and Julie Penrose
Spencer Penrose was an American entrepreneur and philanthropist who made his fortune in mining, ore processing, and real estate speculation in Colorado and other parts of the West. He founded the Utah Copper Company in 1903 and also established mining operations in Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada. He is also credited for building the Pikes Peak Highway, rebuilding the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the Broadmoor Hotel, and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
Julie Penrose was an extremely generous woman who gave strongly to artistic, cultural, educational, and religious institutions. She funded the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and Penrose Memorial Hospital, among others.
Together, the couple founded the El Pomar Foundation on December 17, 1937, to support activities that improve Colorado. The foundation continues as a grant-making organization, funding and providing grants to many non-profit organizations.
Spencer and Julie Penrose were philanthropists, providing strong financial support to major civic projects in Colorado Springs. Their legacy projects include the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, Pikes Peak Highway, and the Glockner-Penrose Hospital.
Spencer and Julie Penrose's legacy is also visible in the Broadmoor, a resort hotel built outside Colorado Springs, which was a "dry" community. The resort is one of many regional attractions the couple created in the first half of the 20th century, including the Pauline Chapel, The Broadmoor Manitou, Pikes Peak Cog Railway, Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, and the Penrose Heritage Museum.
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Wedding venue options and restrictions
The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is a popular wedding venue. The shrine, which is located at an elevation of 8,136 feet, offers breathtaking views of Colorado Springs, the Pikes Peak Region, and the Eastern Plains. The five-story commemorative monument, designed by local architect Charles E. Thomas, features Romanesque Revival architecture with buttresses, ornately decorated iron and brass doors, and narrow leaded windows. The adjoining one-story building houses a chapel, which contains the tombs of Spencer and Julie Penrose, for whom the shrine serves as a final resting place.
While the shrine itself is an impressive venue option, there are some restrictions to be aware of. Firstly, the shrine is accessible only through the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, which requires paid admission for each person in the car, and advance tickets are necessary. Secondly, the shrine is subject to unpredictable weather conditions, and it is recommended that visitors bring their own water. Additionally, the shrine's interior rooms, chapel, and restrooms are only accessible by stairs, with a 50-yard uphill walk from the parking lot to the shrine. Furthermore, the shrine may be closed on certain holidays and is subject to closure due to inclement weather or special events, so it is advisable to call ahead to confirm.
The Will Rogers Gardens in Oklahoma is another wedding venue option. It offers lush landscapes, vivid colors, and both indoor and outdoor spaces. The formal line of the Charles E. Sparks Color Garden provides a beautiful setting for weddings or outdoor events, with seasonally rotated plants creating a vibrant color palette. The Margaret Annis Boys Arboretum features winding paths and a serene tree-filled landscape ideal for outdoor parties and receptions. The crown jewel is the refurbished 1920s garden conservatory, which accommodates up to 134 guests and exudes old-world romance with its glass panels.
However, it is important to note that the Will Rogers Gardens may have its own set of restrictions and guidelines for weddings and events. These may include specific rental or usage hours, decor restrictions, and noise or activity limitations to maintain the serenity of the gardens. It is advisable to contact the venue directly to understand the full scope of options and restrictions when considering the Will Rogers Gardens for a wedding or special event.
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