Denver History Facts and Timeline

(Denver, Colorado - CO, USA)

During the time of the Pikes Peak Gold Rush, in 1858, the town of Denver was first established. It was initially part of the Kansas Territory, as the Colorado Territory wasn't founded until 1861.

The first settlement in the current area was actually Montana City, which was settled several months prior to the arrival of Major General William Larimer, who founded Denver City in November 1858.

Gold Rush Origin

Denver was set up to accommodate and supply miners of gold and silver during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush, making it an important frontier town for the region. The city was named after the former governor of the Kansas Territory, James W. Denver. When Colorado became a territory in 1861, the town had grown considerably from its humble beginnings. By 1863, this had become one of the most significant cities in the Pikes Peak region and the Territory of Colorado.


Denver was chosen as a terminus for the Denver Pacific Railway, with the city receiving trains from four railway lines by 1880. The Union Station, which is still in service today, was created as a central station for all of the city's rail operations in 1881. In 1867, due to the significant growth and prosperity, the city became the capital of the Colorado Territory. Sightseers will find that it is possible to tour the magnificent dome-topped 19th-century building that is the Colorado State Capitol building.

Much of the early history of Denver and the state can be viewed at the recently opened History Colorado Center. This establishment highlights many of the state's most important landmarks and takes tourists on a tour through the history of Denver.

Mining Industry Demise

In the late 19th century, even though the city of Denver had already become the largest and most dominant settlement in Colorado, it began experiencing social issues and economic depression. This hindered its growth and development, and saw the rise of organized crime and the arrival of the Denver Depression in 1893.

After the turn of the 20th century, the mining industry significantly declined and other industries began to take shape in the city. The Brass Era car company was one of the most successful industrial developments in Denver in the early 20th century.

20th Century Environmental Issues

From 1952 to 1992, a Department of Energy nuclear weapons production facility operated near Denver, which led to economic improvement, but environment degradation for the city. Contamination of nuclear waste resulted in health hazards, although the results of a study have been disputed. Environmental restoration and clean up continued up to 2005, with a wildlife refuge being created on the former industrial site.

In 1970, the city was elected to host the 1976 Winter Olympic Games, but cost issues and governmental problems saw the Games moved to Innsbruck, Austria. Denver is the only city in history to withdraw a winning bid to host an Olympic Games. It has, however, twice hosted the National Democrat Convention, in 1908 and 2008.