National Register Listing

Churches Ranch

a.k.a. Long Lake Ranch Park;5JF1042

17999 W. 60th Ave., Arvada, CO
Local significance of the district:
Agriculture; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1998.

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.

agriculture architecture
The Colorado Mineral Belt, which stretches from the San Juan Mountains in the south to Boulder in the north, is a rich source of gold, silver, copper, lead, and other minerals. The area was first mined by Native Americans, and later by Spanish explorers and prospectors during the Gold Rush. Today, the mining industry is still an important part of Colorado's economy.
Colorado random facts
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.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.