History
Allenspark
Allenspark is a small mountain town with a rich history that dates back to the Colorado Gold Rush of 1859. While the area was originally populated by farmers and ranchers, tourism began to thrive in the late 19th century, as the allure of the mountains drew visitors seeking respite from the city. The city is named after Alonzo Nelson Allen who came from Wisconsin to seek his fortune during the Gold Rush.
Black Hawk
Black Hawk began as a mining camp in 1859 as part of the Gregory Diggings. In 1860, William L. Lee, Dr. Frederick H. Judd and Mylo Lee founded the town of Black Hawk. Since the gold strike of 1859, Black Hawk has built a legacy of progressive growth and economic opportunity. It became one of three gaming cities in Colorado in 1990 and contributes $100 million annually in taxes.
Central City
The history of Central City began in 1859 when John Gregory discovered gold in the area. Within a few months, the city had boomed with over 15,000 people hoping to strike it rich. Central City was named a National Historic Landmark in 1961, and the historic buildings are protected by city ordinance. Today, visitors come to Central City for gambling, to see Central City Opera productions and experience a preserved historical town.
Coal Creek Canyon
The oldest coal camp in Colorado, Coal Creek was once a quite large bustling hub of activity. The town was first platted in 1887 by Harry and William Teller. However, the town was already well established by then, with coal discovered in 1860. The Denver & Rio Grande Railroad extended a line into the town, which was officially incorporated in 1882. In 1907 a fire ripped through the town destroying 102 buildings. People moved away and today the population is under 400.
Ferncliff
The area that became Ferncliff was first inhabited by the Wawyachtonoc, a tribe of the Mahican confederation. By the early 1800s, the area was home to farms. In the early 20th century, a railroad station was built and the Ferncliff Casino was commissioned that included indoor tennis courts, a bowling alley and an indoor swimming pool. In 1963 the property was donated to the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York.
Gold Hill
Gold was discovered in a stream in January of 1859 by a group of prospectors who followed an old Indian trail up Four Mile Creek. In March of 1859, Gold Hill was created as the first mining district organized in the Nebraska Territory. In May of 1860, a devastating forest fire ravaged most of the town, and the majority of the residents moved away. In 1970, the Gold Hill Town Meeting was incorporated and became a 501c3 organization for town meetings and community action.
Jamestown
Jamestown is tucked away along James Creek in Boulder County and is one of Colorado’s oldest mining camps. The first gold camp was called Elysian Park. In its early days, Jamestown featured the Evans and Martin Hotels, along with a church, school, dance halls, and lively saloons. In 1894, Jamestown suffered the first of several damaging floods. Today the mercantile now operates where the post office once was.
Nederland
The original inhabitants include the Ute and Arapaho tribes. Non-native hunters and trappers settled there in the 1800s. The town went through a variety of names including Dayton, Brownsville, Middle Boulder, and finally Nederland when it was incorporated in 1874. The town saw a steady increase in populations in the 1960’s with “hippies” who brought a vibrant music scene and a new lifestyle. New attractions were brought in at the turn of the 21st century solidifying Nederland’s position as the hub of the peak to peak community.
Pinecliffe
In 1925 Lincoln Hills was formed near Pinecliffe as a getaway for the Black community in the Denver metro area. The property eventually closed and is run by the Lincoln Hills Cares Foundation. Today, unincorporated Pinecliffe, CO, consists of a few homes and a post office.
Rollinsville
Rollinsville was an early transportation hub for the Rollins Pass Trail. The town was named after John Q.A. Rollins, a pioneer who built the original road over the pass. Rollins Pass was upgraded to a railroad route in the 1880’s, but the completion of the Moffat tunnel in 1928 eliminated the need for locomotives to cross the pass. The Stage Stop, built in 1868, still operates in its original building. Rollinsville is active with a couple hundred residents and is one of Colorado’s oldest active communities.
Ward
Ward Colorado was named after Calvin Ward who made the first claim of silver in 1860. A train was built into the area and 250 people came from Boulder each day. In 1901, a devastating fire leveled 50 buildings but the town was immediately rebuilt. Today, Ward remains inhabited, and some believe there is still enough gold beneath the town to justify mining.