By Jill Glavan
The History of Avon, Colorado
Located in northwest Colorado, the town of Avon calls itself the "Heart of the Valley." Nestled next to Vail and Beaver Creek
resorts, Avon's history dates back to the 19th century, with settlers and Native Americans choosing the area for its rich hunting and trapping opportunities.
Early History
Image courtesy of Avon.org
Before its settlement, the area of Avon was part of the greater Eagle River Valley (now Eagle County). The earliest known inhabitants, Native American Utes, spent summers in the area hunting deer, elk, and buffalo.
Discovery
In the early 19th century, mountain men became the first known Anglo-Americans in the area of Avon. According to Avon.org, in 1845 John Charles Fremont and his California-bound expedition passed through the area, one of the first known groups to do so. It was not until the 1880s that Avon was settled as a town and got its name.
Settlement
Photo Courtesy of Avon.org
According to Avon.org, it was settler George A. Townsend who officially named the town. Though the original name was Avondale, it was later shorted. The Colorado Tourism Office likens the name to the Avon River Valley in England, William Shakespeare's birthplace.
Major Crops
Interestingly, Avon's major crop by the 1920s was head lettuce. Since then, according to Avon.org, the land has produced hay, potatoes, peas and oats. Cattle have long been common in the area, and in the 1940s sheep herding made its appearance.
Incorporation
Nottingham Park - Image courtesy of Avon.org
Avon was incorporated into the Vail Valley area on February 24, 1978, after Vail became a major tourist destination in the early '70s. According to Avon.org, the Nottingham family sold its land to a corporation, resulting in incorporation. After the sale, some of the land became Nottingham Park.
Avon Today
Photo Courtesy of Avon.org
According to the Colorado Tourism Office, Avon sits at the commercial core of the Eagle River Valley. Now largely dependent on tourism and outdoor activities, Avon's population has jumped from 1,500 to more than 6,000 since the 1980s, with its location and scenery drawing ski area employees and residents to the town.
Resources
About the Author:
Jill Glavan is a recent college graduate with experience in television news writing and reporting. An avid social and new media follower, Galvan keeps up with the latest trends and writing for the Web. Her other interests include reading, traveling, and independent movies.
Photo Credits:
Image courtesy of Avon.org
