From its early days as a frontier town to now, Colorado’s Cañon City has a rich and unique history even in comparison to other former Gold Rush towns. From the scenic and geological diversity to some of the initial oil discoveries in the United States, this Fremont County seat has been a hub of coal mining and archaeological discoveries, particularly of dinosaur remains. Here the Royal Gorge Bridge crosses the Arkansas River, 1,053 feet below, as the highest suspension span in the world. The temperate weather means long growing seasons, celebrated each May by the Blossom and Music Festival. Once a commerce center supplying food, lumber, and other goods to surrounding gold towns--from Cripple Creek to Leadville--Cañon City also once was a silent-film capital, the base for hundreds of motion pictures produced after the beginning of the 20th century. Like most of history, times weren’t always good in Cañon City, reflected in the first territorial prison founded here, many more still operating today. Learn about Cañon City’s history―the good, the bad, and the ugly―in this engaging title. Title: Author's first book highlights history of area Author: Carie Canterbury Pubisher: The Daily Record Date: 3/22/2010 Local history is revisited and people and events from long ago are brought to life through Anne Vinnola's newly released book, "Cañon City." Through the pictorial history of Cañon City, Vinnola hopes to bring fond memories to longtime Fremont County residents, as well as offer a glance into the rich history of the area to newcomers. "Cañon City" is the latest in Arcadia Publishing's "Images of America" series that includes more than 200 photos and focuses on Cañon City history, including the dinosaur digs, mining, people who made a difference, the film industry, landmarks and prisons. "I've been writing hunting articles, and shooting and youth sports for years," Vinnola said. "But I've always liked history, so that's what kind of got me started on that." "Cañon City" is Vinnola's first book, but she has written for a number of outdoor magazines for several years. She is conducting research for a historical romance novel she is in the process of writing. Vinnola said "Cañon City" took about nine months to complete and enjoyed researching the various topics at the Royal Gorge Regional Museum & History Center. "There were several things that surprised us at the history center when we were going through it," she said. "It was really fun to write and really fun to get to know the history and the people." She also includes more information on the book on her new blog, RoyalGorgeous.com, where she will expand on some of the photos and history she learned from her research. The blog also includes Fremont County and regional history, contests, fun facts, local events, restaurant reviews, things to do around Fremont County and places to visit within two hours of Fremont County. Vinnola's other Web site, AnnieGotHerGun.com, focuses on hunting, shooting, women hunters, youth hunters, field care, taxidermy, Second Amendment issues and more. "Cañon City" is available for $21.99 at Hastings, 1811 Fremont Drive, and Big Timber South Taxidermy Studio, 708 Royal Gorge Blvd., online bookstores or through Arcadia Publishing at arcadiapublishing.com or (888) 313-2665. Vinnola said she will set up a booth during the Blossom Festival, the first weekend in May. Along with the book, also available are packages of 15 postcards featuring photos from the book for $7.99. Vinnola will host two area book signings. The first will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Royal Gorge Regional Museum and History Center at 612 Royal Gorge Blvd. and the other will be from 3-5 p.m. April 3 at Hastings. Author Anne Vinnola, a Cañon City area resident and history aficionado, has written scores of magazine and newspaper articles for hunting and outdoors publications. With these vintage images and assistance from the Royal Gorge Regional Museum and History Center, she provides a vivid window into the Cañon City of yesterday. Used Book in Good Condition