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Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun
Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun
Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun
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Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun
Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun is located in Colorado
Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun
Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun is located in the United States
Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun
Location4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado[3]
Coordinates38°46′20″N 104°51′44″W / 38.77222°N 104.86222°W / 38.77222; -104.86222
Area1.3 acres (0.53 ha)[3]
ArchitectCharles E. Thomas, Randall Davey[3]
Architectural styleRomanesque[3]
NRHP reference No.94001229[1]
CSRHP No.5EP.2175[2]
Significant dates
Added to NRHPNovember 3, 1994[3]
Designated CSRHPNovember 3, 1994[2]

Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, also known as Will Rogers Shrine, is a commemorative tower and chapel on Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It is named after Will Rogers, the American humorist, who died in a plane crash in Alaska in 1935 during construction of the shrine. It is also a tomb for the remains of Spencer Penrose – who built many of the city's prominent properties, including the neighboring Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and The Broadmoor resort – and his wife Julie Penrose. Completed by Penrose in 1937, the shrine is a 100 feet (30 m), five story observation tower that overlooks The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, and Garden of the Gods.

It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994 for its artistic and architectural qualities.[1][3]: 8:5 

Geography

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The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun is located at 8,136 feet (2,480 m) in elevation.[4]: 123  It is about 1,500 feet (460 m) in elevation above Colorado Springs, and is also above the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo on the side of Cheyenne Mountain.[5][3]: 8:7fc  Views of the Rampart Range, Colorado Springs, and the plains can be seen from the site on a promontory on the mountain, which is accessed via the Cheyenne Mountain Highway.[6][3]: 7:1  The road to the shrine is restricted at the toll gate to individuals who have purchased Cheyenne Mountain Zoo tickets.[5][4]: 123 

Description

[edit]
Will Rogers Shrine, 1944

Overview

[edit]

The five-story commemorative monument and an adjoining one-story building with the chapel was designed by local architect, Charles E. Thomas, who was hired by Julie and Spencer Penrose, the philanthropist and developer[5][3]: 7:1  who built The Broadmoor resort[6] and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.[7] The monument is made of Romanesque Revival architecture with buttresses, an ornately decorated iron and brass door, and narrow leaded windows. It is 100 feet (30 m) tall.[3]: 7:2–3, 8:5 [a] The shrine is partly named for the views of the rising and setting sun. Will Rogers, who died in 1935 in an airplane crash, is memorialized in images of his life displayed throughout the interior of the monument and in the name of the shrine.[5][b] The shrine is also a memorial to the lives of Julie and Spencer Penrose, whose tombs are in the monuments lower level. The Pikes Peak Region's history is depicted in a 340 square feet (32 m2) mural by Randall Davey, an artist from Santa Fe, New Mexico.[5]

The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun site is entered through a stone gateway. The grounds are encircled by a stone wall[3]: 7:1  made from the same single block of pink granite quarried from Cheyenne Mountain used to make the tower.[5][3]: 7:1  Within the stone walls, there are Jo Davidson's statue of Will Rogers, Chinese sculptures, and landscaping with plants native to the region.[3]: 7:1–2  Avard Fairbanks made a bronze bust of Spencer Penrose.[3]: 7:2 

The building is constructed of granite, steel, cement, iron and brass. Its roof was built of ceramic tile.[5][3]: 2  There were no wood or nails in its construction.[5] The interior has terrazzo floors, marble, and ironwork. Stairs lead to the upper floors.[3]: 7:1 

It was completed in 1937[5] and dedicated on September 6, 1937.[6] The total construction cost was about $250,000 (equivalent to $5,468,171 in 2024).[4]: 123 

Monument

[edit]

The sections of the monument are a one-story building with the chapel, the five-story tower, and a staircase connecting the two. Randall Davey painted murals on the first floor of the monument and the first two levels of the stairway depicting the area's historical people and events. The murals, restored in 1994 by Eric Bransby,[3]: 3, 8:8  illustrate scenes of Native Americans; Zebulon Pike's travels; Cripple Creek Mining; William Jackson Palmer, founder of Colorado Springs; and Spencer Penrose.[3]: 8:8  The next three floors contain a photographic history of Will Rogers from his early childhood days in Oklahoma through his time on stage, screen and radio. The last mural is of Will and Wiley Post taken just prior to the fatal crash.

A set of Westminster chimes[4]: 83  are played on a vibraharp[3]: 8:7  every quarter-hour[6][4]: 85  or every hour. The sounds of the chimes can be heard 20 miles (32 km) away,[3]: 8:7 [c] due to what was a state-of-the-art amplification system when it was built.[4]: 123  Songs like Home on the Range and classical music has been broadcast from the tower over the years.[8] At night, the shrine is illuminated by floodlights[6] and the walkway is lighted. Visible below, Cheyenne Lake at The Broadmoor reflects the nearby lights.[4]: 83 

Chapel

[edit]

The chapel is below the first level. It contains European works of art from the 15th and 16th centuries,[9] including a 16th-century Baroque painting of the Madonna. Furniture from the 16th century includes choir stalls, a Classical Baroque altar, and carved Monk benches. The chapel's crucifix is a German woodcarving.[3]: 3  The remains of Spencer and Julie Penrose are interred in the chapel along with two friends,[3]: 7:1  Spencer's social secretary, Horace Devereaux,[10] and Harry Leonard.[11] Eastern works of art include a standing bronze statue of Bodhisattva Guanyin wearing rosary beads and three Buddha statues.[3]: 3 

See also

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Notes

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Shrine of the Sun is a 114-foot-tall commemorative tower and chapel perched on in , at an elevation of nearly 8,000 feet, serving as both a tribute to American and the final resting place for philanthropist and his wife Julie. Commissioned by , a prominent businessman and founder of the Cheyenne Mountain , the was constructed between 1934 and 1937 using locally quarried Cheyenne Mountain , 200,000 pounds of steel, and 30 wagon-loads of , without nails or wood, at a cost reflecting Penrose's admiration for ancient architectural styles from his travels. Originally intended as a personal , it was renamed and dedicated on September 6, 1937, in honor of following his death in a 1935 plane crash, though the two men were not close friends—Penrose simply admired the "Cowboy Philosopher's" wit and optimism. The structure features a adorned with 15th- and 16th-century relics, including French monastery benches, and a 340-square-foot frescoed by Randall Davey depicting the history of ; an observation deck provides panoramic views of Colorado Springs, the region, and the Eastern Plains. A distinctive chime system, installed since 1937, plays hourly melodies such as "" and "Ave Maria," with full programs at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m., creating a melodious tribute that echoes across the mountain. Today, the shrine is managed by the El Pomar Foundation and accessible via the Cheyenne Mountain along the 1.4-mile Russell Tutt Scenic Highway, offering visitors exhibits on the Penroses, Rogers, and the site's , though it requires zoo admission and a seasonal scenic ride ticket. , who succumbed to throat cancer in 1939 at age 74, and Julie Penrose, who joined him in 1956, remain interred within, underscoring the site's role as a lasting legacy of Penrose's contributions to Colorado's cultural and natural heritage.

History

Origins and Construction

Spencer Penrose, a prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist who amassed his fortune through mining ventures in the Cripple Creek district and investments in ore processing and real estate around the region, envisioned the Shrine of the Sun as a personal mausoleum for himself and his wife, Julie, situated on to reflect his deep affection for the area's natural beauty and history. Motivated by his lifelong philanthropy, which included funding public works to benefit Colorado communities during the , Penrose sought to create a lasting monument that combined personal commemoration with regional tribute. Planning for the project began in 1934, when Penrose retained local architect Charles E. Thomas, known for his classical designs in Colorado Springs, to develop the concept for a five-story tower and adjoining chapel. Construction commenced in 1934 under Penrose's direction, with initial work on the stone walls and gateway completed in 1935 using labor from the to quarry native pink from a nearby vein on , thereby providing employment opportunities amid economic hardship. The project was entirely funded by Penrose's personal wealth, estimated in the millions from his business successes, and involved local craftsmen skilled in stonework and to ensure high-quality execution during the challenging economic climate of . The main tower structure rose in 1936, incorporating the alongside , , iron, and for durability and aesthetic appeal, culminating in the shrine's completion in 1937—just two years before Penrose's death in 1939. This timeline aligned with Penrose's intent to establish a permanent legacy, though the structure was later honored posthumously in connection with humorist following his 1935 plane crash death.

Dedication and Naming

Spencer Penrose, the Colorado Springs entrepreneur and philanthropist who commissioned the shrine's construction in 1934, held great admiration for as a celebrated American humorist whose wit and commentary captured the nation's spirit during the 1920s and 1930s. The sudden death of Rogers in a plane crash on August 15, 1935, near Point Barrow, , alongside aviator Wiley Post, profoundly impacted Penrose and the public, occurring midway through the shrine's construction and prompting a national outpouring of grief. In tribute to Rogers' optimistic persona, Penrose renamed the nearly completed , originally intended as the "Shrine of the Sun" to evoke its elevated position facing the dawn, to the "Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun" in 1937, aligning the site's sunrise vistas with Rogers' enduring message of hope and resilience. The official dedication ceremony occurred on September 6, 1937, shortly after construction's completion, and was broadcast nationally via radio to share the tribute with a wide audience. Attended by Rogers' family members, close friends, and local dignitaries including politicians, the event centered on the unveiling of a bronze bust of Rogers sculpted by artist Jo Davidson, positioned in the shrine's courtyard. Speeches highlighted Rogers' embodiment of the American spirit, with President Thurston Davies delivering remarks that lauded Penrose's gesture as a to both Rogers' legacy and his own public benevolence. Despite the shrine's naming in Rogers' honor, neither he nor Post was interred there; Rogers' remains were permanently laid to rest at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum grounds in .

Location and Geography

Site on Cheyenne Mountain

The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun is situated at coordinates 38°46′21″N 104°51′45″W, at an elevation of 8,136 feet (2,480 m) on the eastern slope of . Positioned 1.4 miles uphill from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo entrance, the site offers commanding overlooks of Colorado Springs below and to the north. The structure is integrated into a steep , with its 114-foot (35 m) tower rising directly from the hillside to enhance seclusion amid the rugged terrain. This location falls within the Front Range of the , where the underlying geology consists predominantly of , quarried locally for the shrine's construction. Spencer Penrose, who owned the surrounding lands, chose the spot for its isolated yet vista-rich setting above the city and eastern plains.

Environmental Context

The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun is situated within a montane ecosystem on , characterized by mixed montane forests dominated by ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir, alongside oak shrublands and grasslands that transition from the to the Front Range foothills. This diverse habitat supports a variety of wildlife, including and as common large mammals, numerous bird species such as golden eagles and wild turkeys, and occasional predators like mountain lions and black bears. The region's features approximately 243 sunny days per year, with average annual temperatures ranging from lows around 20°F (-7°C) in winter to highs near 80°F (27°C) in summer, and about 34 inches of snowfall concentrated from December to March, which can temporarily limit access to the site during inclement weather. Preservation efforts for the shrine's location emphasize protection within the broader area, managed by the El Pomar Foundation to maintain natural integrity and prevent erosion stemming from the original on-site granite quarrying during construction. Historical environmental impacts include the use of labor for quarrying and building in , which integrated site stabilization practices, while Spencer Penrose's establishment of land trusts through the El Pomar Foundation has safeguarded the area from urban development, preserving its ecological character. The shrine's elevated position also provides brief, striking views of nearby , enhancing its integration with the surrounding natural landscape.

Architecture and Design

Exterior Structure

The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun features a five-story rising 114 feet high, designed in the Romanesque Revival style with medieval influences, including a square-sided form and an adjoining one-story at its base. The tower's robust silhouette evokes a fortress-like appearance, perched on a sloped promontory of , with the chapel integrated seamlessly into the lower level to follow the natural terrain. The structure's exterior is primarily constructed from locally quarried pink sourced from , with approximately 5,000 cubic yards of the material hand-chiseled from a nearby site about 700 feet away, including contributions from workers during the 1930s. This forms the walls, foundation, and decorative accents, bound together without nails or wood using 200,000 pounds of steel and around 30 wagon loads of cement for reinforcement, topped with a tile roof. The site's enclosing wall, also of pink , features an arched gateway and stone piers, enhancing the monumental scale. Prominent exterior elements include corner buttresses for , narrow round-topped leaded glass windows arranged symmetrically along the facade, and a crenellated stone crowning the decks, which provide observation platforms. The main entrance is marked by ornate iron and brass doors set within a massive archway, flanked by dressed carvings and a decorative iron railing. Access to the and upper levels occurs via exterior limestone stairs that ascend the grade, with no elevators incorporated into the design. Engineered for durability on the mountainous slope, the shrine is anchored 28 feet into a solid rock buttress, utilizing the steel and cement bindings to ensure stability against the region's high winds and potential seismic activity. This construction approach, completed between 1934 and 1937 under architect Charles E. Thomas, prioritizes the natural integration of materials with the terrain while maintaining a self-supporting framework.

Interior Layout

The interior layout of the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun centers on a five-story observation tower connected to a single-story chapel annex, designed primarily for memorial and contemplative use rather than extensive public circulation. The ground floor of the tower serves as the main entry point, featuring a single room at grade level that opens directly into the central stair tower, providing initial access to the structure's upper spaces. From this entry, visitors proceed via a narrow, winding spiral staircase that links all five levels of the tower. The tower's intermediate levels—specifically floors two through four—each consist of a compact, single room arranged around the central , creating a vertical progression through the structure with minimal horizontal expansion. The uppermost fifth level culminates in an open terrace functioning as the primary , accessible solely by ascending the . This layout emphasizes a linear ascent, with no elevators or alternative vertical circulation paths incorporated into the original design. The spiral , lacking modern handrails in some sections, totals around 86 to 100 steps depending on the path taken, underscoring the site's focus on seclusion over ease of access. Adjacent to the tower base, the occupies a lower-level annex, entered separately via a short flight of exterior stairs from the main approach path. This single-story features a vaulted interior with functional seating arranged in monks' benches and choir stalls along the perimeter, accommodating small gatherings for reflection. The area is integrated into the beneath the main chamber, maintaining a compact footprint without additional rooms or corridors. No restrooms or other modern amenities are present within the tower proper; any such facilities in the complex require stair access from the entry level. The overall circulation prioritizes the tower's vertical axis for navigation, with the chapel's separate exterior entry preserving its distinct role within the site. Originally conceived for private purposes, the design intentionally limited broad , relying entirely on and paths that traverse the steep . Subsequent visitor adaptations have included wheelchair-accessible vehicle transport to the shrine's base, but the interior spaces remain fully stair-dependent, with no ramps or lifts added to the tower or chapel post-construction. From the upper observation decks, these navigational choices culminate in expansive views of Colorado Springs and the region.

Memorial Elements

Chapel and Tombs

The chapel at the Shrine of the Sun functions primarily as a , originally designed as a private resting place for and his wife Julie, with their remains interred there alongside two close associates. , a prominent philanthropist and developer, died on December 7, 1939, from throat cancer, and a secular service was conducted in the chapel on December 10, attended by a limited number of invited guests due to the intimate setting of the recently completed structure. His ashes were placed in an urn within a beneath the chapel floor, marked by a simple plaque inscribed with his name and dates of birth and death (November 2, 1865–December 7, 1939). Julie Penrose, who outlived her husband by over 16 years, passed away on January 23, 1956, at age 85, and was interred next to him in an ornate bronze casket within a similar floor , also identified by a modest plaque noting her name and lifespan (August 12, 1870–January 23, 1956). The crypts for both Penroses are constructed of marble, integrated seamlessly into the chapel's stone floor to maintain the space's serene and contemplative atmosphere. No remains of or Wiley Post are present, as the chapel honors only the Penroses and their selected companions. In addition to the Penroses, the chapel holds the ashes of Horace Devereux, Spencer's longtime social secretary and confidant, and Larry Leonard, from their early days in the Cripple Creek mining boom; Devereux's features a simple plaque with his name and death date (August 24, 1937). These interments underscore the personal bonds formed during Penrose's rise in Colorado's era. Following the shrine's public dedications in the late , the chapel transitioned from exclusive family use to a shared memorial site, accessible via a separate lower-level entrance and included in general visitor admissions to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo complex. This evolution ties into Spencer Penrose's broader philanthropic legacy, which emphasized accessible public tributes to personal heroes and community history.

Artistic Features

The chapel within the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun features a series of murals painted in 1937 by Santa Fe artist Randall Davey, collectively titled Memories of a Lifetime in the Region. Covering approximately 340 square feet on the cement interior walls of the ground-level historical room and the first two stories of the stairwells, these works depict key episodes in the evolution of the region, including Native American life, explorations led by , mining endeavors, the arrival of General , and the developmental contributions of . Commissioned by Spencer and Julie Penrose to honor their affection for the area, the murals provide a visual of and Penrose's legacy, restored in 1994 with accompanying interpretive exhibits featuring historic photographs. Complementing the murals are commemorative bronze elements, including a bust of sculpted by Jo Davidson in 1935 and placed in the courtyard upon the shrine's dedication. Mounted on a base, the bust bears a plaque inscribed with Rogers' famous : "Will Rogers 1879-1935, 'I never met a man I didn't like'." This tribute underscores the shrine's naming in Rogers' honor following his death in a 1935 plane crash alongside aviator Wiley Post, with the mural series incorporating scenes reflective of their era. The tower's small, slender leaded glass windows further enhance the interior aesthetic, allowing to illuminate the artwork while evoking the structure's elevated mountain setting. An integral artistic component is the shrine's carillon chime system, installed in 1937 as part of the original construction. Commissioned by , this elaborate vibraharp mechanism plays Westminster chimes every quarter hour and full musical programs of hymns and tunes daily at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m., audible up to three miles away. The chimes contribute to the site's serene ambiance, blending mechanical precision with melodic expression. Throughout the shrine, sun motifs symbolize hope and enlightenment, aligning with Rogers' optimistic worldview and the literal illumination of the tower by morning and evening sunlight—a dual tribute embedded in its name. Notably, despite the "" designation, the space eschews religious in favor of secular commemorative elements, such as the murals and a statue treated as an artistic object rather than devotional feature. This approach emphasizes humanistic themes of progress and remembrance over doctrinal symbolism.

Significance and Access

Historical Legacy

The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun represents the culmination of Spencer and Julie Penrose's extensive philanthropic endeavors in Colorado Springs, which transformed the region into a premier tourist destination during the early . Spencer Penrose, a magnate and entrepreneur, spearheaded the development of key landmarks including Hotel in 1918, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in 1926, and the , all aimed at boosting local economy and infrastructure. The Shrine, completed in 1937, served as a capstone to these efforts, embodying their vision for enduring public memorials that blended natural beauty with cultural significance. Constructed amid the from 1934 to 1937, the Shrine symbolizes resilient and private philanthropy in an era of economic hardship, with its granite sourced through the federal program that employed young workers on conservation projects. As a tribute to American humorist , who perished in a 1935 plane crash shortly after construction began, the monument honors his wit and optimism while reflecting broader ideals of community uplift and national pride. Its dedication in 1937 underscored Penrose's commitment to commemorating influential figures who embodied American values. Following Spencer Penrose's death from throat cancer on December 7, 1939, and Julie Penrose's passing in 1956, the El Pomar Foundation—established by the couple in with an initial endowment of $21 million—assumed stewardship of the Shrine to ensure its preservation as a . This transition aligned with the Foundation's mission to perpetuate the Penroses' legacy of charitable and educational contributions across , maintaining the Shrine's structural integrity and cultural artifacts without commercial alteration. The Shrine's enduring importance was formally recognized when it was listed on the on November 3, 1994, for its exceptional and artistic features, including murals by Randall Davey. Annual events such as the Run to the Shrine, a 4-mile race hosted by the Cheyenne Mountain since 2009, draw participants to the site and reinforce its role in commemorating ' legacy through community engagement and scenic tributes.

Visitor Experience

Visitors access the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun via the Russell Tutt Scenic Highway, a 1.4-mile route ascending from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo entrance at an elevation reaching 8,136 feet. The site operates year-round, weather permitting, from Tuesdays through Sundays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the last vehicle permitted up the road at 3 p.m.; it remains closed on Mondays and select holidays. Entry requires advance admission to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. During the peak season from July 1 through Labor Day, a separate $10 ticket is required for the guided Jeep tour to the shrine; outside this period, visitors may self-drive using their zoo admission. Admission to the shrine itself is free. Tours are primarily self-guided, allowing 30-45 minutes for exploration of the interior murals, chapel, and tombs, though during the peak season from July 1 through (as of 2025), access is provided via guided tours, which last one hour including narration and 30 minutes on-site. The El Pomar Foundation, which manages the property, coordinates these options, emphasizing the site's historical elements. performances enhance the visit, with chimes sounding every quarter hour and full musical selections of classical standards and popular tunes played daily at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 5 p.m. Key attractions include panoramic views from the stone viewing deck overlooking Colorado Springs and the region, ideal for photography, as well as restored artistic features like the 340-square-foot Randall Davey and new interpretive exhibits along scenic pathways. As of 2025, the shrine is fully operational, with advance ticketing required through the zoo; post-COVID protocols have been resolved. accommodations permit users to drive their own vehicles to the site, though the interior, , restrooms, and uneven viewing deck require stairs and are not fully ADA-compliant.

References

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  2. https://gazette.com/2023/06/27/high-in-colorado-springs-mountains-melodious-shrine-represents-lasting-gift-6cbdbaea-0c57-11ee-bf31-8781f914c403/
  3. https://www.cmzoo.org/visit/will-rogers-shrine-of-the-sun/
  4. https://www.mininghalloffame.org/hall-of-fame/spencer-penrose
  5. https://www.coloradobusinesshalloffame.org/spencer-penrose.html
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  8. https://www.coloradoencyclopedia.org/article/spencer-penrose
  9. https://www.historycolorado.org/location/shrine-sun-will-rogers-shrine
  10. https://www.elpomar.org/blog/uncovering-the-history-of-will-rogers/
  11. https://www.cmzoo.org/wp-content/uploads/Will_Rogers_Shrine_of_the_Sun.pdf
  12. https://www.okhistory.org/sites/willrogers
  13. https://ppgs.org/cemeteryRecords.php?cid=62
  14. https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/AD0615724.pdf
  15. https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/city/colorado/colorado_springs
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  18. https://www.elpomar.org/about-us/our-history/
  19. https://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/CO-01-EP57
  20. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/will-rogers-shrine-of-the-sun
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  25. https://tombstone-inscriptions.ppgs.org/will.htm
  26. https://peakradar.com/public-art/will-rogers-memorial-shrine-sun/
  27. https://www.fox21news.com/news/curious-colorado/curious-colorado-what-is-that-structure-you-see-and-hear-up-on-cheyenne-mountain/
  28. https://www.broadmoor.com/penrose-legacy
  29. https://www.kktv.com/2025/08/14/penroses-network-attractions-still-brings-visitors-nearly-100-years-later/
  30. https://www.cspm.org/cos-150-story/el-pomar-foundation/
  31. https://www.cmzoo.org/events-programs/special-events/run-to-the-shrine/
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