Nestled in the wooded stretch of the Douglass Valley — along the Falcon Trail between the Community Center and Falcon Stadium — stands the oldest structure on the U.S. Air Force Academy grounds, and one of the oldest buildings in the entire Pikes Peak region.

Officially named the Pioneer Cabin, the structure is often referred to as the Capps Cabin, though it was actually built by another early settler, William A. Burgess, in 1871.

Around 1870, Leonard and Mary Ann Capps established a homestead just south of where Falcon Stadium stands today. The foundation of their original three-room house remains visible. While the cabin nearby was constructed by Burgess, it became known as the Capps Cabin in 1962 when the Capps family graves were relocated to its site. The relocation took place during the construction of Falcon Stadium — their original burial site lay near what is now the stadium’s 50-yard line.

Five graves were moved, including those of Leonard and Mary Ann Capps. On July 29, 1961, a dedication ceremony was held by Academy officials, led by Col. Edward Stealy, deputy base commander, in collaboration with the Palmer Lake Historical Society. A plaque was unveiled that reads:

“This cemetery symbolizes the many pioneer families who originally settled this region.”

In January 1975, the Pioneer Cabin was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior — preserving not only a structure, but a chapter of early Colorado history.