By Rebecca Schlofner
The History of Denver, Colorado
, Colorado is known as "The Mile High City" and is located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains 5,280 feet (one mile) above sea level. You can see the exact location of the one mile mark indicated on the west steps to the Capital Building. With nearly 300 days of sunshine a year, Denver upholds a prime climate for many activities. The highest percentage of graduates is produced by this city and even has a brewery or two. The city is in the top 20 in the nation for population. Originating in the area of Cherry Creek and South Platte River at the start of a gold rush, the boomtown turned major destination has a very lucrative past. Originally part of the Kansas Territory, settlers came and went before finally staking permanent roots in the area.
Early Settlers
1859 Denver (Public Doman)
The gold rush discovery on November 22, 1858 brought many prospectors to the area, displacing the previous inhabitants: the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes. Fur traders of the region were able to still make a living and remained with the newly arrived.
Denver's Beginnings
1859 Theatre Row, downtown Denver. (Public Domain)
In 1858 Green Russell and Sam Bates discovered gold at the confluence of Little Dry Creek (presently Englewood). Around 100,000 people came into the area between 1859 and 1861.
What's in a Name?
Denver began as more than one settlement: Denver City, Montana City, Auraria and St. Charles City. A vote would lead Denver to be the official name chosen. William Byers, founding editor of the "Rocky Mountain News" and Territorial Governor John Evans dispossessed the Native Americans from the area and Denver's people built railroads, banking, and the Denver Mint. Buffalo Soldiers settled in the area after the Civil War.
The latter part of the 19th Century
General William Larimer formed a settlement across from Auraria accessible to trails and would become Denver City named after the Governor of the Kansas Territory. A supply hub, the Colorado Territory would be created while silver became the new boom from 1870 to 1900. Many famous music halls and theatres were built to entertain the growing population.
Continued Growth of 1900 to 1945
Beginning the 20th century, Denver was the largest city west of the Mississippi and the first 20 years brought the population to 322,000. Commodities turned from gold and silver to agriculture, and became a major manufacturing center.
After World War II
Aerial view of Denver. (Public Domain)
Suburbs started to grow in the 1950s as families moved into the outlying areas away from downtown Denver. Skyscrapers began dotting the landscape adding tourism, skiing, electronics and telecommunications to the economic baseline. Over 2 million people live in the Metro area today.
About the Author:
Rebecca Schlofner has been writing and editing for over three decades and was educated at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. Published worldwide on the Internet through articles and blogs, you may find more work at helium.com. An English and Design major, Schlofner offers poetry, blogs, articles, and short stories for her audience. Being well-versed and accurate, she has won high acclaim.
Photo Credits:
Denver Nightscape, 2004. (Public Domain)
