The History of Denver, Colorado

When it comes to finding the best place to live, there are a lot of factors to consider. If you're looking for a great location that has it all, then you should consider Denver, Colorado. 

Denver has always been a place people are drawn to. Let's take a brief look at the history of this great city and see how it became the thriving community it is today.

The Mile High City: A Brief History of Denver

The city of Denver was not always the bustling metropolis it is today. It began as three separate towns that were only loosely connected to one another.

The first of these towns was named Auraria, settled by gold miners in 1858. The second town, Highland, was settled by ranchers and farmers in 1860. The third town was Denver City which served as a supply point for miners in the area. In 1861, all three towns joined to form the city of Denver. Denver was named after James W. Denver, the Governor of Kansas Territory at the time.

The Gold Rush shaped Denver's early years. In 1858, gold was discovered in the nearby Rocky Mountains. This led to a wave of prospectors and settlers flocking to Denver in search of their fortune. As a result, the population of Denver exploded, growing from just a few hundred people in 1858 to over 3,000 by 1860.

The Gold Rush era ended by the 1870s, but Denver continued to grow thanks to the nearby silver mining boom. It became an important transportation hub for this mining industry. The railroads, as well as wholesale trade, manufacturing, food processing, and servicing the growing agricultural hinterland, strengthened the city's economy.

New residents and tourists flocked to Denver, ensuring regional dominance. In 1889, the first public library in Denver was established, and in 1890, the Elitch Theater, the first professional theater company in Colorado, made its debut. During this time, many of Denver's most iconic buildings were constructed, including Union Station (1881), the Brown Palace Hotel (1889-1892), and Colorado State Capitol (1886-1901). Despite this growth, Denver's agricultural industry suffered from drought during the late 1880s, which impacted the local economy.

By 1893, Denver was hit hard by an economic depression due to years of agricultural distress and the collapse of the silver industry, leading to the Panic of 1893. Many of its residents left for other parts of the country. After a long period of decline, the city recovered with its flourishing sugar beet and manufacturing industries after 1900 and became an influential cultural center in the Western United States.

The early 20th century was a period of significant growth for Denver. An influx of immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe and other parts of the country led to the city's population doubling between 1900 and 1920.

Denver continued to grow in the decades that followed. It hosted the Winter Olympics in 1976 and saw its population reach new heights in the 1980s and 1990s. Today, Denver is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, with a population of over 3 million people.

Neighborhoods in Denver, Colorado

There are 78 official neighborhoods in the city of Denver, each with its own individual unique selling points and history. Whether you're looking for a quiet suburb or an urban center with plenty of activities, Denver has it all. We've listed just a few popular areas to give you an idea of what Denver has to offer.

Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill is Denver's most well-known neighborhoods and is one of the most vibrant and diverse. The district is home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as a number of parks and museums. It's also home to the Colorado State Capitol Building and several other historical landmarks. The neighborhood gets its name from its proximity to the Capitol Building. As it is conveniently located near downtown Denver, it is an ideal place to live for those who want to be close to the city.

Highland

Highlands is another great neighborhood for those who want to be close to downtown Denver. Highland is located northwest of downtown Denver. It's a primarily residential area known for its quaint streets and Victorian-style houses. The neighborhood gets its name from its elevation; at 5,280 feet above sea level, the Highlands are one of the highest neighborhoods in Denver. The area is home to many restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as a number of parks. Highland is also home to some of Denver's best public schools, making it an ideal place to live for families.

Washington Park

Washington Park is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Denver, thanks to its central location and beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains. This beautiful area was once home to the Arapaho and Ute Native American tribes, who lived and hunted in the area for centuries. In the 1800s, settlers began moving into the area, and the small community of Denver City was established.

The city quickly grew, and by the early 1900s, Washington Park was one of Denver's most popular neighborhoods. Today, the neighborhood is still home to many historic buildings and landmarks. There are also many great restaurants, bars, and shops in this neighborhood, as well as Washington Park, which offers a variety of outdoor activities like bicycling, hiking, and swimming.

Golden

Golden, Colorado, is a historic neighborhood and was formerly the most powerful city in Colorado. Founded in 1859, it was one of the first communities established in the state. Golden quickly became an important center of commerce and culture. Today, Golden is known for its beautiful parks, lively downtown, and top-rated schools. It is also home to the famous Coors Brewery, making it a mecca for beer lovers.

Recently, the Coors family announced one of the largest redevelopment projects in the heart of Golden, it will include new retail and office spaces, as well as affordable housing. 

No matter what you are looking for, Golden offers it all–a close-knit community and easy access to the city.

Littleton

Founded in the late 1800s as a small farming community, Littleton quickly grew into a thriving suburban town. Despite its proximity to downtown Denver, Littleton feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It's the perfect place to raise a family or enjoy a quiet retirement. The suburb is home to a number of parks and recreation centers, as well as Old Town Littleton, which offers shopping and dining options. Littleton has everything if you're looking for history, charm, or just a great place to call home.

Final Thoughts

Denver is a city with a rich history dating back to 1858. It has seen its share of ups and downs but has always bounced back stronger than ever before.

When looking for your perfect Denver home, you need a realtor who knows the Denver area inside out. Our team will show you the best homes for sale to meet your price point, from modern apartments to luxury real estate.

Get in touch with Engel & Völkers - Downing Street Group today, so we can set you on the right path to finding your dream home in Denver, Colorado.