Denver Colorado History

From the high plains Native Americans to the Spanish explorers searching for treasure, Denver has long been a gathering place. The Mile High City’s re-birth started when flakes of placer gold were found at the confluence of the South Platte River and Cherry Creek, and thus began the frenzied rush to find riches during Denver’s “Pikes Peak or Bust Gold Rush” days of 1859.

With the discovery of more gold in the mountains, Denver earned its first railroad and respectability came to the west. The tent city of Denver exploded with saloons, gambling halls, and wagon trains lining the mud-filled streets. And where gold abounds, outlaws, desperadoes and gunmen also congregated. In its first few years, the city survived a flood, two major fires, several Indian attacks and, during the Civil War, even raised a Union Army defeating invading Confederates from Texas.

At the turn-of-the-century, the wealth of the mountains was poured into parks, fountains, statues, tree-lined streets and elaborate mansions. Denver became knows as the "Queen City of the Plains."

Following World War II, the city boomed again, doubling in population since 1960. In the 1990’s, Denver grew by 30 percent. People from all walks of life have made Denver their home, creating a city diverse in culture. Today, Denver’s population is 2.6 million, making Denver the largest urban center in the nation.