Colorado Fuel and Iron: Culture and Industry in Southern Colorado Main MenuCF&I TimelinePredecessor and Subsidiary CompaniesMiningHealth and SafetyEthnic Groups and DiversityImportant PeopleEmployee LifeLabor Relations in the Industrial WestLand and WaterCities and TownsSteel ProductionArtifactsCompany PublicationsAssorted Histories and Short StoriesQuips and blurbs relating to Southern Colorado's industrial historyThe Steelwsorks Center of the WestBooks and Other ResourcesCredits and AcknowledgementsChristopher J. Schrecka2fcfe32c1f76dc9d5ebe09475fa72e5633cc36dC.J. Schreck
Lake Minnequa, Pueblo's Breathing Spot
12022-10-03T09:22:17-07:00Christopher J. Schrecka2fcfe32c1f76dc9d5ebe09475fa72e5633cc36d72422Pavilion and boat house. Minnequa club house. Lake Minnequa sunset. Camp and Plant Vol. 4 No. 17, 1903plain2022-10-03T09:23:48-07:00Christopher J. Schrecka2fcfe32c1f76dc9d5ebe09475fa72e5633cc36d
This page is referenced by:
12016-02-11T15:51:06-08:00Lake Minnequa10plain2022-10-03T09:27:11-07:00 Developed in 1872 by the Central Colorado Development Company (a forerunner to Colorado Fuel and Iron Company), Lake Minnequa, the artificial “Lake on the Mesa,” held water diverted from the St. Charles River and was used by the CF&I steel mill for quenching and cooling operations.
The lake, about 160 acres in area, had a capacity to hold 6 million gallons of water. It was situated 42 feet above the highest elevation in the community, with steel pipes used to divert water directly into the steelworks. As demands on water usage increased, new reservoirs were constructed south of Pueblo and assured ample water for all furnaces and mills.
In addition to its use in steel production, Lake Minnequa became a gathering place for the public. At the turn of the 20th century, trees and flowers were planted around the reservoir and sports such as boating, fishing and swimming became popular pastimes. An early trolley system connected the park with other parts of Pueblo.
In 1902 an amusement park opened near the lake, providing a variety of activities for area residents. It operated until 1940. In 2009, the City of Pueblo purchased Lake Minnequa from the steel mill and has been working on revitalizing the area into a public park and recreation area.
