Colorado Springs Community Involvement


When Stratton died in 1902, he left instructions in his will that nearly all of his fortune was to be used to establish and maintain a home for poor people and named in memory of his father, Myron Stratton. The Trustees, whom he himself selected, carried out his wishes. The Home, which opened in 1913, has operated continuously since that date, and has served literally hundreds of poor elderly and children for more than a century.
The Home will always continue to be his most important legacy. In addition to maintaining and operating the Home itself, The Stratton Home endowment has been preserved and increased; it now exceeds $100 million.
During his lifetime, Stratton was an astute businessman and one of the visionary leaders in the planning and building of Colorado Springs. His trolley company, the Colorado Springs Interurban Railway, is a thing of the past but many other landmarks of the community that came into being through his efforts are still in use today: The Winfield Scott Stratton Post Office, the old City Hall, the former Court House (which now houses the Pioneer Museum), and the Mining Exchange Building.
Stratton always had a strong sense of compassion for the working poor and their families. Those less fortunate knew him for many acts of kindness and generosity even though he very much avoided a public or social life in other ways.
When Stratton died in 1902, he left instructions in his will that nearly all of his fortune was to be used to establish and maintain a home for poor people and named in memory of his father, Myron Stratton. The Trustees, whom he himself selected, carried out his wishes. The Home, which opened in 1913, has operated continuously since that date, and has served literally hundreds of poor elderly and children for more than a century.
The Home will always continue to be his most important legacy. In addition to maintaining and operating the Home itself, The Stratton Home endowment has been preserved and increased; it now exceeds $100 million.