Boulder County, Colorado

Arnett-Fullen House Barker, Hannah, House Boulder Creek Bridge Boulder Valley Grange No. 131 Buchan Cabin Bunce School Callahan, T. M., House Carnegie Library Chautauqua Auditorium Church of the Brethren Colorado Chautauqua Columbia Cemetery Congregational Church Denver Elevator-Grain Elevator Denver, Boulder and Western Railway Historic District Denver, Northwestern and Pacific Railway Historic District Denver, Northwestern and Pacific Railway Historic District-Rollinsville & Middle Park Wagon Road (Boundary Increase) Dickens Opera House Downtown Boulder Historic District Downtown Longmont Historic District East Side Historic District Eldora Historic District Empson Cannery First Baptist Church of Boulder First Congregational Church of Lyons Fox Mine Office Fox Stone Barn Ginacci House Gold Hill Historic District Gold Miner Hotel Gold Miner Hotel (Boundary Increase) Highland School Holmes, David Hull, House Hotel Boulderado Hoverhome and Hover Farmstead Jacoe Store Jamestown Mercantile Building Jamestown Town Hall Jamestown Town Hall (Boundary Increase) Kullgren House Lackner's Tavern Lafayette House LaSalla House Lewis House Little Church in the Pines Longhurst Lodge Longmont Carnegie Library Longmont College Longmont Fire Department Longmont Power Plant Lyons Railroad Depot Lyons Sandstone Buildings McKenzie Well Miller House Modoc Mill Mount St. Gertrude Academy National Fuel Company Store Norlin Quadrangle Historic District North St. Vrain Creek Bridge Northern Colorado Power Company Substation Petrelli-DelPizzo House Rhoades House Robinson House Rocky Mountain Mammoth Mine Salina School Sandbeach Lake Trail Shannon Farm Squires-Tourtellot House St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 1881 Stolmes House Sunshine School Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ryssby Tego Brothers Drugstore-State National Bank of Louisville Terrace, The Thomas House Thunder Lake Patrol Cabin Thunder Lake Trail-Bluebird Lake Trail US Post Office-Boulder Main Walker Ranch Historic District Walker Ranch Historic District (Boundary Increase) Wall Street Assay Office Wall Street Assay Office (Boundary Increase) Ward Congregational Church Ward School Weiser, Martha, House West Side Historic District Wild Basin House Wild Basin Ranger Station and House Woodward-Baird House

Boulder County, located in Colorado, has a rich and diverse history that begins with the Native American tribes who inhabited the region for centuries. The Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes primarily occupied the area, relying on the abundant natural resources, including water from rivers and fertile land for farming. European settlers began arriving in the mid-19th century, drawn by the discovery of gold in nearby regions.

In 1858, gold prospectors arrived in Boulder County, sparking a gold rush and leading to the establishment of several mining towns. Boulder City, founded in 1859, quickly became the largest community in the area. However, as the gold deposits depleted, the focus shifted to agriculture, particularly the production of crops like wheat and sugar beets. The introduction of the railroad in the late 19th century further facilitated growth and economic development.

Boulder County became known for its educational institutions during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1877, the University of Colorado was founded in Boulder, which brought intellectual and cultural growth to the region. The establishment of the Chautauqua movement in Chautauqua Park in 1898 also helped solidify Boulder's reputation as a center for learning and cultural exchange.

The 20th century brought further growth to Boulder County, with the establishment of key industries such as aerospace and technology. In the 1950s, the National Center for Atmospheric Research was established in Boulder, contributing to the county's reputation as a hub for scientific research. The presence of the University of Colorado also attracted high-tech companies, leading to the emergence of the Boulder Valley tech corridor.

Today, Boulder County is known for its natural beauty, vibrant cultural scene, and progressive values. It continues to be a desirable location for outdoor enthusiasts, businesses, and students seeking a blend of innovation, education, and recreational opportunities.
Brief timeline of the history of Boulder County, Colorado:

  • 1803: The area that would become Boulder County is explored by the Lewis and Clark expedition.
  • 1820s: Early fur trappers and traders arrive in the area.
  • 1858: Gold is discovered in the area, attracting a wave of prospectors.
  • 1861: Boulder County is established as a separate county in the Territory of Colorado.
  • 1871: The University of Colorado Boulder is founded.
  • 1873: Boulder becomes the county seat.
  • 1894: The Colorado Chautauqua, a cultural and educational center, opens in Boulder.
  • 1914: The town of Longmont is incorporated in Boulder County.
  • 1942-1945: The Hanseman Park Japanese Internment Camp is established in Boulder County during World War II.
  • 1952: The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) is founded in Boulder.
  • 2013: Historic flooding occurs in Boulder County causing significant damage.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Boulder County, Colorado.