Wilson, Blanche A., House
a.k.a. Centennial House;5AM173
1671 Galena St., Aurora, COThe Blanche A. Wilson House is considered to be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A in the area of settlement. This was the first house built for developer Donald Fletcher in the town of Fletcher (later renamed Aurora) which he founded, along with the financial participation of others, at the beginning of Denver's turn-of-the-century suburban movement. Fletcher was a prominent real estate developer with related investments in local water companies and streetcar lines. He was president of the Denver Chamber of Commerce in 1888 and later became president of the group that founded Fairmount Cemetery. The town he founded eventually grew to become Colorado's third-largest city.
The Wilson House is also considered to be eligible under Criterion C. It has the distinctive characteristics of the Queen Anne style. Fletcher built a large number of two-story Queen Anne style houses in Aurora. Of the eleven houses that remain, the Wilson House best retains its historic exterior architectural integrity.
Local significance of the building:
The Wilson House is also considered to be eligible under Criterion C. It has the distinctive characteristics of the Queen Anne style. Fletcher built a large number of two-story Queen Anne style houses in Aurora. Of the eleven houses that remain, the Wilson House best retains its historic exterior architectural integrity.
Exploration/settlement; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1996.
About National Register Listings
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.
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The city of Denver was named after Kansas territorial governor James W. Denver, even though he never actually visited the area. The name was chosen by early settlers in the area.
About Adams County
Adams County Timeline
Adams County, Colorado, is a region rich in history and has played a significant role in the development of the state. The history of the county dates back thousands of years, with evidence of human occupation by various Native American tribes. These early inhabitants left behind their artifacts and structures, which offer insights into their daily lives and cultural practices.
European settlement in Adams County began in the 19th century with the arrival of traders, trappers, and gold prospectors. Eventually, the establishment of railroads and the discovery of gold in the neighboring areas attracted more settlers to the region. The area was named after Alva Adams, the governor of Colorado at the time, and was officially organized as Adams County in 1902.
Agriculture played a crucial role in the early development of Adams County. The fertile soil of the region supported the growth of crops such as wheat, corn, and sugar beets, which encouraged further settlement and economic growth. The county saw the construction of irrigation systems, enabling farmers to cultivate the land more efficiently.
Adams County also experienced unprecedented growth during World War II due to the establishment of Lowry Air Force Base and the Adams County Naval Station. These military installations brought an influx of people to the area and had a significant impact on the local economy. After the war, the region transitioned into a more urbanized and industrialized area, with the growth of manufacturing and commercial sectors.
Today, Adams County continues to thrive, offering a diverse mix of industries, including aerospace, healthcare, and agriculture. The county is also home to various natural parks and recreational areas, preserving its rich history and providing a high quality of life for its residents.
European settlement in Adams County began in the 19th century with the arrival of traders, trappers, and gold prospectors. Eventually, the establishment of railroads and the discovery of gold in the neighboring areas attracted more settlers to the region. The area was named after Alva Adams, the governor of Colorado at the time, and was officially organized as Adams County in 1902.
Agriculture played a crucial role in the early development of Adams County. The fertile soil of the region supported the growth of crops such as wheat, corn, and sugar beets, which encouraged further settlement and economic growth. The county saw the construction of irrigation systems, enabling farmers to cultivate the land more efficiently.
Adams County also experienced unprecedented growth during World War II due to the establishment of Lowry Air Force Base and the Adams County Naval Station. These military installations brought an influx of people to the area and had a significant impact on the local economy. After the war, the region transitioned into a more urbanized and industrialized area, with the growth of manufacturing and commercial sectors.
Today, Adams County continues to thrive, offering a diverse mix of industries, including aerospace, healthcare, and agriculture. The county is also home to various natural parks and recreational areas, preserving its rich history and providing a high quality of life for its residents.
Adams County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Adams County, Colorado.
- 1858 - Adams County formed as one of the original 17 counties in the Territory of Kansas
- 1861 - Adams County transferred to the Territory of Colorado
- 1901 - Thornton becomes the first city in Adams County
- 1902 - Brighton is incorporated
- 1903 - Commerce City is incorporated
- 1904 - Watkins is incorporated
- 1949 - Adams County Fair begins
- 1952 - Adams State Junior College (now Community College of Denver) is established
- 1962 - Aurora becomes a city and is partially located in Adams County
- 2001 - Adams County Regional Park opens
- 2013 - The historic Adams County Courthouse is destroyed by fire