National Register Listing

Barker, Hannah, House

a.k.a. Ezra & Hannah Barker House; Caleb & Carrie Stowell House; 5BL.2896

800 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, CO
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2019.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture social history houses residential buildings
Colorado was the first state in the country to allow women to vote through a popular referendum in 1893, over 25 years before the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Colorado random facts
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.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in 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.