National Register Listing

Cherry Creek Bridge

a.k.a. CDOT No. G-18-BL; 5DA1519

CO 83 at milepost 46.30, Franktown, CO
Local significance of the structure:
Transportation; Engineering

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

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.

transportation engineering bridges
Audiobooks about the history of Colorado.
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
Douglas County, Colorado, is a county located in the central part of the state. Its history is deeply rooted in the early settlement of the American West. The land that would later become Douglas County was originally inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Ute, Arapaho, and Cheyenne. In the 1800s, European settlers began to arrive in the area, primarily lured by the allure of gold and opportunities for farming and ranching.

In 1858, the discovery of gold in nearby Cherry Creek sparked the Colorado Gold Rush, bringing a wave of settlers to the region. This influx of people resulted in the eventual establishment of Douglas County in 1861, named after Stephen A. Douglas, a prominent Illinois senator. The county's original boundaries were much larger than they are today, encompassing vast portions of present-day Colorado.

The early years of Douglas County were marked by agricultural development and the growth of small towns. Early settlers faced challenges such as harsh weather, limited resources, and conflicts with Native American tribes. As the mining industry waned, agriculture grew in importance, with farmers and ranchers cultivating crops and raising livestock on the fertile lands of the county.

In the late 20th century, Douglas County experienced significant growth and urbanization due to its proximity to the Denver metropolitan area. The county's population grew rapidly, leading to the development of suburban communities and the expansion of infrastructure and services. Today, Douglas County is known for its high standard of living, excellent schools, and outdoor recreational opportunities, attracting residents who value the area's natural beauty and quality of life.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Douglas County, Colorado.

  • 1858 - Gold was discovered in Douglas County, leading to a gold rush in the area.
  • 1861 - Douglas County was officially established on November 1, becoming one of the original 17 counties of Colorado Territory.
  • 1875 - The Colorado Central Railroad extended its line to Castle Rock, connecting Douglas County to the rest of the state.
  • 1891 - The town of Parker was incorporated.
  • 1902 - The town of Castle Rock was incorporated.
  • 1917 - Daniels Park, a historical landmark, was established and named after Alexander "Alec" Daniels.
  • 1994 - Highlands Ranch, a master-planned community, was incorporated as a Census Designated Place (CDP) in Douglas County.
  • 2008 - Rueter-Hess Reservoir, the largest drinking water reservoir in Douglas County, was completed.