Colorado
Colorado became the thirty-eighth state in 1876, one hundred years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, earning it the name “Centennial State.” Its history has been shaped by Indigenous peoples including the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho, as well as Spanish exploration, western migration, mining, railroads, ranching, and the growth of communities throughout the Rocky Mountains and surrounding plains.
I have had many opportunities to explore Colorado because our daughter lives there. Our visits have taken us beyond the state’s well-known mountain scenery and into its historic towns, museums, national parks, and preserved landscapes. My Hometown Stories reflect both Colorado’s history and the personal connection that continues to bring our family back.
Hometowns
Arvada, CO
Arvada, Colorado, was founded in 1870, when settlers established a small community along Ralston Creek northwest of Denver. The area had already played a role in Colorado history when prospectors discovered gold in Ralston Creek in 1850, several years before the major gold rush that would bring thousands of people to the region. Rather than developing primarily as a mining town, Arvada grew as an agricultural community, with its farms supplying food to the rapidly expanding population of Denver and the nearby mining districts. The arrival of the railroad helped transform the settlement into a thriving town, and Arvada was incorporated in 1904. Its historic downtown, now known as Olde Town Arvada, preserves part of that early commercial center even as the surrounding community has grown into a substantial Denver suburb. Today Arvada combines its agricultural and pioneer history with parks, trails, cultural attractions and easy access to both Denver and the Rocky Mountains. For visitors, it offers an interesting example of how a small Colorado farming settlement grew alongside the development of the Front Range while retaining a recognizable historic center.
Nederland, CO
Nederland, Colorado, was founded in 1874 and grew as a mining supply town during the Colorado silver boom. Nestled at an elevation of 8,236 feet in the Rocky Mountains west of Boulder, the town took its name from a Dutch-owned mining company that invested in the region's rich mineral resources. Although the mines that fueled its early growth have long since faded, Nederland has reinvented itself as a mountain community known for its independent spirit, outdoor recreation, and colorful local traditions. Surrounded by forests, peaks, and reservoirs, the town serves as a gateway to Colorado's high country while preserving the character of its rugged frontier past. For visitors, Nederland offers a fascinating blend of mining history, mountain culture, and small-town charm.
Niwot, CO
Niwot was established in 1875 along the Colorado Central Railroad, developing as an agricultural community that served the farms and ranches of Boulder County. The town takes its name from Chief Niwot, also known as Left Hand, a Southern Arapaho leader remembered for his effort to maintain peace during a period of rapid settlement along Colorado's Front Range. While agriculture formed the foundation of the community, the arrival of the railroad connected Niwot to the growing markets of Denver and helped shape its future. Today, Niwot reflects these layers of history while maintaining the charm of a quaint historic town where visitors can stroll among locally owned shops, coffee houses and historic buildings that give the community its distinctive character. Niwot is also located near my daughter Emily's home and has become a regular stop wherever I visit Colorado. Its small coffee shops, locally owned stores and community market make it exactly the kind of town I enjoy exploring. In a region that has experienced tremendous growth, Niwot has managed to retain much of its historic charm and small-town character. It is easy to see why residents work so hard to preserve its unique identity.
