Garfield County, Colorado
Battlement Mesa Schoolhouse
Canyon (Canon) Creek School, District No. 32
Cardiff Coke Ovens
Citizens National Bank Building
Earnest Ranch
Glenwood Springs Hydroelectric Plant
Havemeyer-Willcox Canal Pumphouse and Forebay
Holland-Thompson Property
Hotel Colorado
Missouri Heights School
Nunns, John Herbert, House
Rifle Bridge
Satank Bridge
South Canon Bridge
Starr Manor
Sumers Lodge
Taylor, Edward T., House
US Post Office-Rifle Main
Wasson-McKay Place
Western Hotel
A Grand Boulevard
And Devereux Said Unto Glenwood, "Let There Be Light"
Barry Building
Building Interstate 70 Through Glenwood Canyon
CCC Men Built Improvements for Glenwood
Citizens National Bank Building
David Delaplane, Father of Colorado Mountain College
Exchange Stables
Healthy Atmosphere Rehabilitated Soldiers
Hotel Denver
Hughes-Anderson Building
I.O.O.F. Building
Illuminating the Future
Immigrants Found Future in Colorado
Jolley Trail
Linwood Cemetery
McCoy-Armory Building
New Castle Coal Mine Memorial
Odd Fellows Hall
Potter's Field
Rex Hotel
Rifle / The Rock That Burns / Colorado Wilderness / Rifle Country
St. John's Episcopal Church
Star Hotel
The California Zephyr
The Glenwood Springs Hydroelectric Plant
The Hotel Glenwood
The Robbery - The Getaway
Water for Glenwood Springs
When Snow Slides Closed the Canyon
When the Railroads Arrived in Glenwood Springs
"The First National Bank Building"
In 1853, the first white settlement was established in what is now Garfield County. This settlement was known as Defiance and served as a supply point for miners seeking their fortunes during the Colorado Gold Rush. The discovery of gold and silver in the nearby mountains attracted a wave of prospectors, leading to the establishment of several mining camps and towns, including Glenwood Springs and Rifle. These mining operations played a crucial role in the development of Garfield County, with the mining industry serving as the backbone of the local economy for many years.
The late 19th century saw the expansion of railroads across the region, facilitating transportation and trade in Garfield County. It also brought an influx of new settlers and opportunities for economic growth. Agriculture began to thrive, with ranching and farming becoming important industries in the area. The establishment of irrigation systems allowed for the cultivation of crops, including fruit orchards and livestock grazing.
In the 20th century, Garfield County experienced significant shifts in its economy. The decline of mining and the rise of the oil and gas industry had a profound impact on the region. The discovery of natural gas reserves led to increased exploration and extraction activities, resulting in a boom in the local economy. Today, Garfield County continues to be an important player in the state's energy sector and has diversified its economy with tourism, outdoor recreations, and services industries playing an increasingly significant role.
Brief timeline of the history of Garfield County, Colorado:
- 1883 - Garfield County is established on February 10.
- 1886 - The county seat is relocated from New Castle to Glenwood Springs.
- 1906 - Oil and gas production begins in the county.
- 1943 - Japanese American internment camp, named Camp Amache, is established in the county.
- 1960s - The construction of Interstate 70 through the county begins.
- 1970 - The first oil shale boom occurs, bringing economic growth and population increase.
- 1982 - Oil shale industry declines, leading to a severe economic downturn in the county.
- 1991 - The Glenwood Canyon section of Interstate 70 is completed.
- 2002 - The Coal Seam Fire causes significant damage, destruction, and evacuations in the county.
- 2020 - Garfield County celebrates its 137th anniversary.
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Garfield County, Colorado.