Schmap Denver Historical Background

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Denver - Historical Background
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Denver Home
Schmap Denver guide and map

Denver's history as a boom and bust town began with the desire for a simple precious metal: gold. In 1858, a group of prospectors were exploring the Kansas Territory, which then encompassed what is now Colorado, and discovered piles of the almighty metal at the confluence of the Platte River and Cherry Creek. One of the prospectors, William Larimer, established Denver City in an area then populated by the Arapaho tribe, who camped along the banks of Cherry Creek while hunting and gathering. Over the next two years, a new gold fever penetrated the pulse of the eastern states. One-hundred-thousand hopefuls pioneered across the harsh landscape to the territory, seeking instant prosperity. The influx uprooted the Native Americans and forced them to move on, while the settler population soared, causing the federal government to create the Colorado Territory. So began Denver's first boom, inspiring its mythical image as a Wild West town ruled by material obsession.

William N. Byers

In 1859, at the peak of the rush, Denver's first notable figure strolled into town with a vision well beyond the price of gold. William N. Byers moved to Denver from Ohio, via Omaha, and founded the Rocky Mountain News. Through the newspaper, he tried to calm the hysteria and instability associated with the gold rush, by promoting settlement on the high desert frontier. Byers proceeded to create an illusion of Denver, proclaiming the city to be the "Queen City of the Plains" and the new steamboat capitol of the West, ready for a river full of industry. Unfortunately, the small, shallow Platte River could not live up to Byers' grand words. The ports of wealth never materialized, and the even smaller Cherry Creek soon declined into a cesspool of mining pollution. Despite this failure, Byers, who also founded the city's Chamber of Commerce, was streamlining himself for a great career in politics. His chances dissipated, however, during an adulterous scandal which culminated in a typical Wild West shootout scene in the middle of a downtown street.

State Capital

In 1865, Denver City was deemed capital of the new Territory. In 1881, five years after Colorado gained statehood, it was chosen over Golden, Colorado Springs, and Boulder as the official state capital. During this period, Denver blossomed rapidly. Railroad-borne business transformed this one-dimensional mining Mecca into a more balanced industrial and agricultural "cow town." Even so, the city experienced its first bust in 1893, after the Silver Crash crippled Colorado's silver-producing economy. A tough 10-year depression followed. Despite the hardships of the times, city leaders managed to construct the beautiful neo-classical Colorado State Capitol Building and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. From 1904 until 1918, when the entire nation was in the process of revitalizing itself, energetic civic leader Robert Speer took Denver's mayoral reigns and vowed to create an "American Paris." During this era, known nationally as the City Beautiful period, Denver curbed its unchecked growth with a solid urban plan. Some of the city's most recognizable landmarks date from this time, including the City and County Building and Washington and City Parks. Speer conjured a four-part plan for city improvements, beginning with Civic Center Park. He wanted Denver to boast a beautiful city center with lush walkways and focal points of extravagant architecture. Thus, Civic Center Park, between the Colorado State Capitol Building and the entrance to downtown, is embellished with impressive gardens, a serene thoroughfare, and a Greek-style outdoor amphitheater. Speer also sought to bring shade to the desert. He initiated the planting of over 100,000 trees, creating numerous boulevards lined with oaks and elms. Through a prolonged effort, even the polluted Cherry Creek was transformed into a verdant greenway, and new mountain and city parks further enhanced the beauty of the area.

Public Works

Speer faced harsh criticism for some of these projects, especially for the boulevard that bore his name and meandered from downtown to the country club district. But it was nothing compared to the wrath his successor, Benjamin F. Stapleton, faced for building Denver's first airport. Stapleton, notorious for his membership in the Ku Klux Klan, was captivated by flight. He strove to end the city's isolation on the plains by laying the foundation for Denver Municipal Airport in 1929. Critics went wild, calling the plan downright stupid, and saying the location was so far out east of the city that it might as well be in Kansas. Ultimately, the airport was a success. After the Great Depression of the 1930s, the city and Stapleton focused on the mountain parks, calling for the creation of a "rock garden" in the nearby hills. Years of diligent planning and painstaking construction carved the jagged red rocks into an intimate, natural stadium known as Red Rocks Amphitheatre which even today is still universally recognized as one of the greatest outdoor concert venues in the world.

1930s and 1940s

The 1930s and 1940s also brought a military and federal government presence to Denver, with the opening of Lowry Air Force Base and the Denver Federal Center. This initiated a trend continuing over the next 40 years as Denver and the Front Range became home to Fitzsimmon's Army Hospital, the Air Force Academy, and Buckley Air Field. Now, Denver supports the largest Federal employee population outside of Washington DC. As the Cold War progressed, Denver gained a high-tech military installation in the Rocky Mountain Arsenal, as well as the infamous plutonium-producing Rocky Mountain Flats. Although these sites boosted Denver's economy and population, they also caused an enormous amount of controversy. Since the end of the Cold War, the majority of Colorado's major military sites have closed down due to subsequent defense cuts.

"Black Gold"

During the 1950s, "black gold" struck the hearts of Denverites, sending the economy into another boom, and creating millionaires overnight. Oil companies from around the globe set up shop in Denver, inspiring Mayor Quigg Newton to reevaluate the city's "cow town" persona. The city rode the oil boom long enough to use the steady flow of tax revenue to revitalize schools, institute cultural amenities, and reinvent the central business district. In 1969, the revitalization campaign led to the controversial decision to bulldoze Auraria, Denver's oldest and poorest neighborhood. Originally a separate township, Auraria was a rival to Denver City back in the gold rush days. The two entities eventually settled differences and merged into one, under the name of Denver. From the dust of the wrecking crews, a beautiful urban educational center arose, known as the Auraria Campus. The area now holds three city colleges along with a collection of original neighborhood landmarks, including the Tivoli Brewing Company, St. Elizabeth's Church and St. Cajetan's Church.

The city then turned toward cleaning up rundown areas of downtown. This time, however, the money ran short. Consequently dismantled lots sat vacant and overgrown until the early 1980s.

Skyscrapers

Another boom followed, this time bringing the towering icons of corporate wealth: skyscrapers. The new oil boom at last transformed the city into a modern metropolis, with immense highrises sprawling along the Front Range and a mobile population almost completely dependent upon the automobile. Unfortumatley, like everything else associated with the Mile High City's bipolar history, this boom was also bound to bust.

In the mid-1980s, the price of oil plummeted from USD39 a barrel to USD9, sending the city into a devastating recession. The downtown skyscrapers stood empty, and the central streets of the city soon resembled a ghost town. Much of the populace fled to better opportunities elsewhere.

New Leadership; New Identity

Federico Pena, Denver's first Hispanic leader, fought tooth and nail to change the city's identity in the late 1980s. Pena reinstated the Chamber of Commerce and directed new funding into Denver's cultural institutions, including the Denver Zoo and the Denver Art Museum. Tourists were already passing though Denver in route to the world-class skiing in the mountains, so Pena decided to initiate a plan to give out-of-towners a reason to stop. Thus, the Mile High City began the slow process of washing away an unsightly industrial past in favor of the glitz associated with a tourist and service oriented town.

Perhaps Pena's greatest feat was paving the way for the construction of Denver International Airport. Pena's successor, Wellington Webb, Denver's first African American mayor, faced intense scrutiny over the airport site. Located in what is often termed "the middle of nowhere" by locals and tourists alike, the airport is one of the world's largest and is consistently one of the busiest.

Urban Renaissance

Denver's shiny new look fueled yet another economic boom that ignited an urban renaissance under Mayor Webb's watchful eye. The spark that flamed this boom came when the city was awarded a major league baseball franchise in the early 1990s. Planners opted to build a new stadium in the heart of an old warehouse district, by banking on the "If you build it, they will come" philosophy. New businesses, restaurants and shops recognized the brilliance of this theory and quickly moved into the area's surrounding historical structures that had somehow survived the wrecking balls and years of vacancy. The end result: an upscale entertainment district called LoDo, jammed with old, revitalized brick buildings and anchored by Coors Field, a beautifully designed, old-fashioned ballpark. The people, of course, came too. So many, in fact, that developers infiltrated the area and transformed the old buildings into elegant lofts. The success of LoDo spilled into downtown and the surrounding areas, creating an infusion of inner growth. The promotion of luxurious urban living served as an antidote to some of the area's aggressive suburban sprawl. Denver's population now soared at a rate comparable to that of its suburban rivals.

Denver quickly emerged as a lively sports town and entertainment-filled metropolis, attracting gaggles of tourists who instead of leaving, fell in love with the city's energy and mountain setting, and became permanent residents. In 1993, over 30,000 inhabitants of California flooded the Front Range, rocketing the population to over two-million and creating major growth issues as rapid development gobbled up former open spaces to house the new arrivals. New high-tech computer and telecommunication businesses also sought refuge in Denver's endless sunshine.

1990s and Beyond

As the 1990s pushed on, the city continued to focus inward, moving the beloved historical amusement park, Elitch Gardens, to the central Platte Valley just south of LoDo. In 1999, Colorado's Ocean Journey, an interactive aquarium, opened in the central Platte Valley. The same year saw the opening of the Pepsi Center, a new brick and glass structure that plays home to the Denver Nuggets and the Colorado Avalanche.

Denver's boom and bust cycle has allowed the city to continually reinvent itself, fluctuating from a gold town to a cow town, from an oil town to a tourist town. With each change the city history becomes more complex and vibrant. No one can predict when the next bust will come, but Denver will most likely continue to find new and unique ways to propel itself forward.

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City and County Building

Colorful lights with Colorado history

1437 Bannock Street
Denver, CO 80202
United States
+1 720 865 7500

During December and through the National Western Stock Show, this building, built in 1932, boasts one of the country's finest and largest illumination displays. More than five miles of electrical wire suspend over 20,000 lights over the building's facade. The opulent building, along with numerous boulevards and parks, including Civic Center Park, added to Mayor Robert Speer's City Beautiful vision to create a Paris on the plains. In honor of the popular mayor, who served a series of terms in the early 1900s, the Tower Clock atop the City and County Building chimes every quarter hour.

Review © 2007, Wcities

City and County Building photo by Dan Adinolfi

Photo: Dan Adinolfi

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Photo: Shawndra and Simon

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Civic Center Park

Common Grounds Broadway and Colfax Ave
Denver, CO 80203
United States
+1 303 964 2522 After touring the U.S. Mint or State Capitol Building, or soaking up culture at the Denver Art Museum, enjoy the relaxing greens of Civic Center Park. President Clinton once addressed Denver from the stage of the park's Greek Pavilion. The park is also home to the Taste of Colorado, the Cinco De Mayo festival and the annual Capital Hill Peoples Fair. A large fountain, flower gardens and sculptures add to the charm of this small but stately park.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Colorado Avalanche

Taking hockey by storm 901 Auraria Parkway
(Pepsi Center)
Denver, CO 80204
United States
+1 303 405 1100
http://www.coloradoavalanche.com The NHL 2004-2005 season has been cancelled. No information is available for the 2005-2006 season at publication time.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Colorado State Capitol Building

Colorado's famed building 200 East Colfax Ave.
(at Broadway)
Denver, CO 80203
United States
+1 303 866 2604
http://www.milehighcapitol.org/ While the gilded dome of this building may attract the attention of visitors, the history and stunning architectural features inside holds their real interest. Standing precisely one mile above sea level, its observation deck offers impressive views of Denver, the Rocky Mountains and the surrounding plains. You can get your fill of local history by scanning the murals on the first floor and the onyx busts of Denver's important historical figures. Be sure to also take a tour of the impressive House and Senate chambers. Guided tours are available and admission is free.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Colorado's Ocean Journey

World-class aquarium 700 Water Street
Denver, CO 80211
United States
+1 303 561 4450
http://www.oceanjourney.org Although it has struggled to stay afloat the past year, Ocean Journey remains a popular attraction. It is an expedition along two rivers on different sides of the world. The first journey follows the Colorado River from its headwaters at the Continental Divide as it descends to the Sea of Cortez. Along the way, you will explore the river's depths, and witness a wealth of aquatic life. The second journey treks along the Kampar River in Indonesia, through the Emerald Forest and tropical jungles, home to red arowana, clown knifefish and the wildly popular Sumatran tigers. Admission: USD14.95 adults; USD12.95 seniors and teens (13-17); USD6.95 kids (4-12).

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Coors Field

The pride of baseball 2001 Blake Street
Denver, CO 80205
United States
+1 303 762 5437 / +1 303 292 0200
http://www.coloradorockies.com Baseball is an essential part of the American culture and a vibrant component of Denver, all of which makes Coors Field such a hub of activity during the summer. It seats more than 50,000 and is regarded as one of most fan-friendly parks in the country. For a few dollars you can take a guided walking tour and learn about the history of the field while taking in all the sights, including the Colorado Rockies dugout and the visiting team's clubhouse.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Denver Art Museum

Extensive Native American Art Collection 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway
Denver, CO 80204
United States
+1 720 865 5000
http://www.denverartmuseum.org/ This five-floor museum is wonderfully diverse and is at the forefront in offering new exhibits. In the past it has featured impressionist artists as well as the work of Winslow Homer. This museum brags— and rightfully so— about housing the largest art collection between Kansas City and the West Coast. Its Native American art collection, which encompasses an entire floor, is not to be missed. In addition, 2006 heralded the dedication of a new wing of the museum. Designed by Daniel Libeskind, the Frederic C. Hamilton building adds to the already stunning architecture of the cityscape, and has become a popular attraction for museum visitors.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Denver Museum of Nature and Science

Denver's most popular attraction 2001 Colorado Boulevard
Denver, CO 80205
United States
+1 303 322 7009 / +1 800 925 2250 (Toll Free)
http://www.dmns.org This museum is one of the city's most popular attractions, drawing almost two million visitors a year. There are permanent displays on North American Indians, Egyptian mummies, dinosaurs, and minerals, all stunningly detailed and vast. The museum also hosts such traveling exhibits as 'Ramses II,' and 'Imperial Tombs of China'. An IMAX Theatre, gift shop and cafe are also on-site.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Denver Nuggets

NBA Basketball takes the court 1225 17th St
Denver, CO 80202
United States
+1 303 308 7000 / +1 303 893 6700
http://www.nba.com//nuggets The Denver Nuggets, took to the court in 1967 as the American Basketball Association's Rockets, but ultimately became the Nuggets in 1974. In 1976 the Nuggets became the real thing when the ABA merged with the NBA. Today the team is directed by General Manager Kiki Vandeweghe and is considered by some NBA experts to be one of the up-and-coming teams in the league with superstar Carmelo Anthony.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Denver Zoo

Interactive by nature 2300 Steele Street
(on 23rd Avenue, between Colorado Boulevard and York Street)
Denver, CO 80205
United States
+1 303 376 4800
http://www.denverzoo.org/ Where else can you visit polar ice caps, a tropical forest, the African savanna and a jungle all in one day? The zoo is a state-of-the-art habitat featuring more than 3,500 animals representing 600 species. Visit with sloths, tree frogs, and a moray eel at the indoor 'Tropical Discovery' exhibit. Or wander through the seven-acre 'Primate Panorama Exhibit'. From cold climate penguins to tropical flamingos, 'Bird World' will inspire your appreciation of winged things. It is open 365 days a year.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Pepsi Center

Hockey, basketball and music venue 1000 Chopper Place
Denver, CO 80204
United States
+1 303 405 1111
http://www.pepsicenter.com/ With granite and marble-tiled walls and floors, extra-wide concourses and in-seat, computerized food ordering, this new state-of-the-art indoor venue brings Denver to the forefront of high-tech and luxurious entertainment space. Located downtown, the new home of the Colorado Avalanche hockey team and Denver Nuggets basketball team can hold between 18,000 to 20,000 people, depending on the event. The center also hosts numerous large-scale musical concerts and conventions.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Saint Elizabeth of Hungary

Stone church on the Auraria campus 1060 Saint Francis Way
Denver, CO 80204
United States
+1 303 534 4014
http://www.stelizofhungary.org St. Elizabeth's, the second oldest church in the Denver area, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Established by Franciscan friars and nuns in 1878, the beautiful stone landmark is located in downtown Denver on the Auraria campus, facing the west bank of Cherry Creek. The most striking architectural feature of the design is the arcade that curves around the courtyard holding a statue of St. Francis of Assisi, the leader of the Franciscan order. The building now serves as a chapel for the Auraria campus.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Saint Elizabeth of Hungary photo by wcities
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Six Flags Elitch Gardens

Amusement park 2000 Elitch Circle
(at I-25 and Speer)
Denver, CO 80204
United States
+1 303 595 4386
http://sixflags.com/elitchgardens After spending 104 years tucked away in northwest Denver, Elitch Gardens abandoned its home for a more spacious downtown site, which allowed it to add state-of-the-art rides, such as the free falling 'Tower of Doom' and the 'Sidewinder.' Besides the more than 100 rides, there are numerous shows, shopping outlets and eateries to keep the family entertained. In addition, in the summer you can alternate between the numerous roller coasters and the neighboring mammoth water park. Admission is USD32.99 for adults and USD19.99 seniors (55-69) and kids under 48"; Ages 70+ and under 3 enter free. Hours fluctuate during May so call ahead for the schedule.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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St. Cajetan's Church

Catholic church 9th Avenue & Lawrence Street
(Auraria Campus)
Denver, CO 80202
United States
+1 303 556 2400 (Campus Information)
http://www.archden.org Erected in 1926 by Robert Willison, St. Cajetan's Church was Denver's first house of worship for Spanish-speaking Catholics. Inspired by the holy sanctuaries of Mexico, the church displays a typical southwestern design. It holds a place on the National Register of Landmarks and is a Denver landmark as well. The old church stands on the Auraria campus and functions as a theater facility for university productions. Sunday masses: 7:30a (Spanish), 9a (Spanish), 10:30a, noon (Spanish), 7p.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Tivoli Student Union

Brewery turned student union 900 Auraria Pkwy
Denver, CO 80204
United States
+1 303 556 4286 / +1 800 232 5280 (Campus Bookstore)
http://www.tivoli.org The site was originally the Rocky Mountain Brewing Company, but owner John Good changed the name in the 1860s to the Tivoli, in honor of the gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark. Now it serves as a student center for the Auraria Campus of the Metropolitan State College of Denver, and students as well as the surrounding community enjoy the mixture of shops and restaurants located here. Visitors can take a self-guided tour, and browse the historical information and period photographs posted throughout the building. Admission is free.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Joseph Scharfenberg

Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Denver - Historical Background"
Denver
Denver - Neighborhood Guide
Denver - Where to Stay
Denver - Dining & Drinking
Denver - Art & Entertainment
Other nearby cities:
Boulder (45 miles)
Albuquerque (531 miles)
Salt Lake City (599 miles)
Omaha (777 miles)
Oklahoma City (804 miles)
Phoenix (927 miles)
Las Vegas (959 miles)
Tucson (991 miles)
Boise (1031 miles)
Fort Worth (1044 miles)

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