America the Beautiful: Who is Ruth Banning Lewis?

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Banning Lewis Ranch is the annual site of one of the largest Independence Day celebrations in Colorado Springs. But who is the person behind the name?

Ruth Banning Lewis, a prominent businesswoman, politician and rancher, served as the second woman on the City Council, leaving a lasting legacy in the community before her death in 1962. The Banning Lewis Ranch neighborhood is named after her. Lewis was also a volunteer nurse, a member of the District 11 School Board, and an advocate for women in government.

Lewis was recognized for her diverse contributions to the community, encompassing various professional and civic roles. John Jarrell, historian with the Pikes Peak Library District, described her as a complex figure with many accomplishments. “Ruth was a lot of things. So she was a businesswoman. She was a politician. She was a rancher, a championship rancher,” Jarrell said.

Her commitment to women's rights was evident in her personal choices and public actions. Lewis maintained her maiden name after marrying Raymond Lewis, a decision that reflected her strong feminist beliefs throughout her life. “An important part of Ruth's story is her strong feminism that she spoke about, that she lived. And, even the name Banning Lewis Ranch reflects that. She would've married Raymond Lewis. It would have been Lewis Ranch. But no, it was maintained as the Banning Lewis Ranch, for its whole existence,” Jarrell said.

Beyond her political and social roles, Lewis was also a successful entrepreneur and educator. She owned and operated an ice delivery business, foresightfully selling it before refrigerators became widespread. Additionally, she briefly taught at Colorado College and was an award-winning Hereford cattle rancher.

Lewis also actively worked to expand women's involvement in government, serving in an advisory role with the League of Women Voters. Despite some of her conservative values, she was a strong advocate for women's equality.

As for why she is not as well recognized as other Colorado Springs historical figures, Jarrell says, “She believed in service to the community, but she did not believe in charity. Which is a big reason why she's not as well remembered as some less successful people. Despite some of her more conservative values, she very much believed in - and was a strong advocate - for women as being completely equal or equal to men."

Stay up to date with the latest local news, sports, and investigations by downloading the KRDO13 app. Click here to download it from the Apple App Store. Android users can download it from Google Play here.