Denver

Long before Denver was a city, the land along the South Platte River was a gathering place for many Indigenous tribes. That history changed forever in 1858 when a small group of prospectors from Georgia discovered gold at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Even though the find wasn’t large, it was enough to trigger a rush of people heading west, all chasing the dream of striking it rich.

Tents, tepees, and log cabins quickly filled the riverbanks as fortune-seekers arrived from across the country. The nearby 14,000-foot peak, Pikes Peak, became their beacon, giving rise to the rallying cry: “Pikes Peak or Bust!”

Not everyone came to mine gold, some came to build. In 1858, General William H. Larimer laid out a city near Cherry Creek and named it Denver, hoping to win favor with a territorial governor who, ironically, had already stepped down. Still, the name stuck, and the settlement grew.

The early days weren’t easy. A fire in 1863 destroyed much of the business district, followed by a deadly flood the next year. Supply lines were cut during conflicts with Native tribes, leaving Denver nearly isolated. But the community was resilient. When the main railroad bypassed the region, locals raised money and built a line themselves to connect with the national rail system.

By the time silver was discovered in Leadville, Denver was booming again. What began as a rugged gold camp had become a growing city, tough, determined, and built to last.

Today, Denver is a vibrant and diverse city, but its roots in ambition, adaptability, and frontier grit continue to shape its character.

Denver is a city full of color, creativity, and community.

• Once a meeting ground for Indigenous tribes, it has grown into a vibrant cultural hub where traditions from around the world come together.
• Historic neighborhoods like Five Points, often called the “Harlem of the West”, are filled with music, art, and rich stories from the past and present.
• Throughout the year, you’ll find events that celebrate Denver’s diverse heritage. From the Denver March Powwow and Cinco de Mayo Festival to the Colorado Irish Festival and one of the country’s largest Martin Luther King Jr. parades, there’s always something to experience. PrideFest and the Colorado Gay Rodeo highlight the city’s inclusive spirit.
• You can dive deeper into Denver’s culture at places like the Black American West Museum in Five Points and Museo de las Americas in the Art District on Santa Fe Drive. Both share powerful stories through art, history, and education. The city’s ongoing “Denver in Context” initiative also works to honor and preserve these cultural voices.
• Denver welcomes everyone. Whether you're here for the history, the festivals, or just the friendly energy, you’ll find a place that celebrates difference and invites you to be part of it all.

• Hosted the 1997 G8 Summit

  In June 1997, Denver made international headlines as host of the 23rd G8 Summit, a major meeting of world leaders from the most powerful industrialized nations. For three days, from June 20 to 22, leaders gathered in the newly renovated Central Branch of the Denver Public Library. The summit took place inside the General Reference Room, with a custom-made "Legacy Table" at the center of discussions. It was a proud moment for the city, showcasing Denver as a rising player in global diplomacy and capable of hosting events of international importance.

• National Western Stock Show

  Held every January since 1906, the National Western Stock Show is one of Denver’s biggest and most iconic events. For 16 days, the National Western Complex comes alive with rodeos, horse shows, livestock competitions, and hands-on exhibits that celebrate Colorado’s deep agricultural roots.

• Colorado Avalanche's 1996 Stanley Cup Victory

  In their very first season after moving from Quebec City, the Colorado Avalanche made Denver sports history by winning the Stanley Cup in 1996. They swept the Florida Panthers in the Finals, clinching the title in a thrilling triple-overtime Game 4 with a game-winning goal from Uwe Krupp. They've gone on to win the Stanley Cup twice more, in 2001 and 2022.

• Hosted the Democratic National Conventions of 1908 and 2008

  In 1908, Denver became the first Western state to host a major party's national convention. Held at the Denver Auditorium Arena from July 7 to 10, the event nominated William Jennings Bryan for president and John W. Kern for vice president, spotlighting Denver as an emerging political stage.

  A century later, in 2008, the Democratic National Convention returned to Denver, with nearly 50,000 people attending. Most events took place at the Ball Arena (Pepsi Center), with the final night at Empower Field at Mile High (INVESCO Field at Mile High), where Senator Barack Obama accepted the nomination. His nomination marked a historic first, he became the first African American nominee of a major U.S. political party. The event brought national attention and an estimated $160 million in economic impact to the city.

• Molly Brown

  Step into the life of one of Denver’s most remarkable women at the Molly Brown House Museum in Capitol Hill. Known as the “Unsinkable Molly Brown,” Margaret Tobin Brown rose to international fame after surviving the 1912 Titanic disaster, where she famously encouraged the crew of Lifeboat No. 6 to search for additional survivors. But long before and after that event, she lived a life of purpose and passion.

  Born in 1867, Maggie, who wasn’t called “Molly” until after her death, grew up in a working-class family and left school at 13 to help support them. She moved to Leadville, Colorado, in 1883, married J.J. Brown, and together they built a fortune after one of J.J.’s mines struck gold. The family moved to Denver, where Maggie used her wealth to support women’s suffrage, help the poor, fund education, and even run for Senate.

  Her courage aboard the Titanic became legendary, but her tireless advocacy for social causes left an even deeper legacy. Today, the home at 1340 Pennsylvania Street stands as a tribute to her spirit. Built just before the silver crash of 1893, the house reflects a moment of prosperity in Colorado’s history and continues to share Maggie’s powerful story with visitors from around the world.

• John Denver

  John Denver wasn’t just named after the Colorado capital, he made the state a core part of his identity. Born Henry John Deutschendorf Jr., he adopted the stage name “John Denver” as a tribute, and his deep love for Colorado shone through in his music and life.

  His iconic song “Rocky Mountain High” captured the spirit of the Colorado wilderness and was later named one of the official state songs. He made his home in Aspen, where the stunning landscape inspired much of his work.

  Today, you can visit the John Denver Sanctuary in Aspen, a tranquil outdoor space dedicated to his memory, featuring stone plaques engraved with his lyrics and plenty of peaceful spots to reflect on the beauty he sang about.

• Adolph Coors

  Adolph Coors arrived in the United States in 1868, settling in Denver after working across the Midwest. He co-founded a bottling company in Denver before moving west to Golden, where in 1873 he established the Golden Brewery—later known as Coors Brewing Company. His innovative spirit helped the brewery survive Prohibition, transitioning production to malted milk and porcelain products during those dry years.

  The Golden brewery became the largest single brewery in the world, and the company remained a fixture in the region—expanding distribution nationwide only in the mid‑1980s.

• Denver is nicknamed the Mile High City because it sits at an elevation of exactly one mile, or 5,280 feet above sea level.
• 16th Street mall in Denver was designed by master architect I.M. Pei and his firm.
• Denver's elevation causes golf balls to travel farther than at sea level.
• The 13th step of the Colorado State Capitol Building is exactly one mile high.
• Denver was home to the very first Chipotle Mexican Grill.