Denver’s development personifies the American experience: There are periods of boom and bust, tranquility and tragedy, and through it all, the strength of the people prevailed, ultimately creating a thriving, beautiful city.

When a small amount of gold was found where the South Platte River and Cherry Creek converge in the mid 1850’s, word traveled quickly and people came by any means necessary. By 1858 the town of St. Charles had developed to serve the needs of those living in mining towns. In 1859, Denver City was officially born.

Early life in Denver was filled with struggle. During the 1860s, the city managed to overcome the challenges of a major fire, flooding of Cherry Creek that killed numerous people, and attacks from Native Americans. When the Union Pacific Railroad chose to build its route through Wyoming, bypassing Denver, residents raised enough money to build their own line connecting Denver and Cheyenne, which solidified Denver’s role as a major city of the West. Growth came with the railroad, and by 1879, Denver’s population approached 35,000.

After surviving the Silver Crash of 1893, Denver was a prosperous, thriving city by the turn of the century. Construction of elaborate mansions on Capitol Hill called “Millionaire’s Row” (now Grant Street with few examples remaining) was only the beginning. Completion of the Capitol building was completed in 1908 with the dome guilded in gold leaf. Parks and parkways were planned and the city began to mature, living up to its name “Queen City of the Plains.”

Today, Denver continues to grow and thrive. The fantastic climate and incredible scenery of the Rocky Mountains and all of the activities that they provide attract people from all over. With miles of bike paths throughout the metro area, museums, state of the art shopping, and a uniquely relaxed feel, Denver is a great place to call home.