Historical Markers in Jefferson County, Colorado
1115 Washington Avenue
1211 Washington Avenue
700 Tenth Street
922 Washington Avenue
A Daring Rescue
Arapahoe City
Billy Drew Bridge
Bird Track
Bone Deposition
Brewing on Clear Creek-Coors History
Bridge Load Ordinance Background
Brontosaur Bulges
Buffalo Bill
Buffalo Bill's Grave Frequently Asked Questions
Buffalo Bill's Grave Why is Buffalo Bill Buried Here?
Castle Rock
Charles E. Kirk
Clear Creek
Colorado National Guard Armory
Columbine High School
Cretaceous Time
Dinosaur Ridge
Down by the Old Mill Stream
Early History of Clear Creek
Farming
Ferrell/Berthoud Home (Miners Hotel)
First Bicycle Mishap in Golden
First Building Site
First Resident/Agriculturalist
Front Range Foothills
Fun on Courthouse Hill
Gold
Gold in Clear Creek
Golden Alarm Bell
Golden and Clear Creek
Golden City
Goosetown Tavern
Greeleys Crossing
Horace Greeleys Crossing Point
Irrigation and Farming
John Brisben Walker
Jolly Rancher 1113 Washington Avenue
Lariat Loop Byway: Buffalo Bill Museum
Lariat Loop Byway: Denver Mountain Parks
Late Jurassic Time
Morrison Fossil Area
Native Americans on Clear Creek
Our Changing Landscape-From Sea Floor to Mountain Top
Palm Fronds
Play in the Wind
Porcelain and Malted Milk
Recreation: Past to Present
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Red Rocks Park
Rock Deformation
Rock Flour Millstone
Settlement of Clear Creek Valley
Settler Farm Wifes Initiative
Stop 7: Laramie Formation (68 mya) Clay Pits Fault, Fire Clay Mining, Reclamation
Stop 7a: White Ash Mine
Summer White House
Territorial Capital of Colorado
The Astor House
The Boston Company
The Rocky Mountains
The White Ash Mine Disaster
Theropod Track
Tourism
Transportation
Triceratops Tracks
Triceratops Trail
Volcanic Ash
Water Carves Canyons
West Alameda Parkway / Dinosaur Ridge
What is the Historical Significance of this Site?
What You Can See From Here Today
White Ash Mine Disaster
Who Was Buffalo Bill?
Windy Saddle Park / Connecting to the Past
Winter Wind on the Mesa
About Jefferson County
Jefferson County Timeline
Jefferson County, Colorado, is located in the central part of the state and has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ute and Arapaho, who lived off the land and utilized the region's natural resources.
In the early 1800s, European and American settlers started to arrive in the area, attracted by its fertile lands and abundant wildlife. Charles Hagerman built the first permanent structure in the county in 1859, establishing a small farming community. The discovery of gold in the nearby Colorado mountains soon brought a rush of miners to the area, leading to the establishment of mining camps and towns.
Jefferson County witnessed significant growth in the late 19th century with the construction of railroads, which connected the region to the rest of the country. The Colorado Central Railroad, completed in 1878, contributed to the development of several towns within the county, including Golden and Arvada. These towns became centers of commerce and attracted businesses, schools, and other essential services.
The 20th century saw Jefferson County transform from a predominantly agricultural and mining economy to a more diverse and urbanized area. The construction of major highways, such as Interstate 70, spurred suburbanization and further economic growth. The county experienced a population boom, fueled by the growth of nearby Denver.
Today, Jefferson County encompasses a mix of urban and rural areas, offering residents a high quality of life with access to natural attractions like the Rocky Mountains and numerous parks. The county continues to attract new businesses and residents while preserving its rich history and natural beauty.
In the early 1800s, European and American settlers started to arrive in the area, attracted by its fertile lands and abundant wildlife. Charles Hagerman built the first permanent structure in the county in 1859, establishing a small farming community. The discovery of gold in the nearby Colorado mountains soon brought a rush of miners to the area, leading to the establishment of mining camps and towns.
Jefferson County witnessed significant growth in the late 19th century with the construction of railroads, which connected the region to the rest of the country. The Colorado Central Railroad, completed in 1878, contributed to the development of several towns within the county, including Golden and Arvada. These towns became centers of commerce and attracted businesses, schools, and other essential services.
The 20th century saw Jefferson County transform from a predominantly agricultural and mining economy to a more diverse and urbanized area. The construction of major highways, such as Interstate 70, spurred suburbanization and further economic growth. The county experienced a population boom, fueled by the growth of nearby Denver.
Today, Jefferson County encompasses a mix of urban and rural areas, offering residents a high quality of life with access to natural attractions like the Rocky Mountains and numerous parks. The county continues to attract new businesses and residents while preserving its rich history and natural beauty.
Jefferson County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Jefferson County, Colorado.
- 1859 - Gold is discovered in Jefferson County, leading to a gold rush in the area.
- 1861 - Jefferson County is established as one of the original 17 counties in the Colorado Territory.
- 1864 - The first school in the county, Arvada Flour Mill School, is built.
- 1870 - The Denver & Rio Grande Railroad reaches Jefferson County, improving transportation and commerce in the area.
- 1903 - The Colorado State Home for Dependent and Neglected Children, now known as the Wheat Ridge Regional Center, is established in Jefferson County.
- 1933 - Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is opened to the public, becoming a popular venue for concerts and events.
- 1950 - The Jefferson County Airport, later known as the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, opens for operation.
- 1957 - Jefferson County Junior College, now known as Red Rocks Community College, is established.
- 1970 - The Jefferson County Government Center is constructed in Golden, becoming the primary seat of government.
- 1999 - The Jefferson County Public Library system is formed, merging several smaller libraries in the county.