Denver is the natural gateway to the beauty, romance and history of the American West. The city was born during the great Pikes Peak or Bust Gold Rush of 1859 when flakes of placer gold were found where the South Platte River meets Cherry Creek. Almost overnight, more than 30,000 people crossed the Great Plains to head for the Mile High City.

In its first few years, Denver survived a flood, two major fires and even raised an army that defeated an invading force of Confederates from Texas during the Civil War.

With the discovery of more gold in the mountains, Denver became a boomtown. Saloons, gambling halls and wagon trains lined the mud-filled streets and every outlaw, lawman and desperado in the West made a visit.

The turn of the century brought respectability and the wealth of the mountains was poured into parks, fountains, grand theatres, statues, tree lined streets and elaborate mansions. Denver became the most elegant city in a 1,000-mile radius and was known as the “Queen City of the Plains.”

In recent years, Denver’s beautiful location and ideal four-season climate started a building boom that has seen the city more than double in population since 1960.

The city’s colorful history can be explored in a number of locations. LoDo (Lower Downtown) has 120 historic buildings from the Victorian era, many of which have been transformed into restaurants, nightclubs and art galleries.

A train rolls down the tracks at the Colorado Railroad Museum.
Photo Courtesy: Rich Grant and VISIT DENVER.

The state’s fascinating railroad history is highlighted at the Colorado Railroad Museum. An outstanding Western art collection, including a vast exhibit of Native American textiles, pottery and contemporary works, provide a vivid look at Western history at the Denver Art Museum.

One third of cowboys on the great cattle drives of the 19th century were African American—their legacy is told at the Black American West Museum and Heritage Center. Museo de las Americas celebrates Latino culture with collections and exhibits of ancient, folk and modern Latino art. And two of Denver’s most famous citizens, the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown, who survived the sinking of the Titanic, and Buffalo Bill Cody, the West’s famous buffalo hunter and showman, are honored at the Molly Brown House and Buffalo Bill’s Museum and Grave.