Denver Colorado History

costa The Colorado Territory was created on February 28, 1861,[21] Arapahoe County was formed on November 1, 1861,[21] and Denver City was incorporated on November 7, 1861.[22] Denver City served as the Arapahoe County Seat from 1861 until consolidation in 1902.[23] In 1867, Denver City became the Territorial Capital. With its new-found importance, Denver City shortened its name to Denver.[23] On August 1, 1876, Colorado was admitted to the Union. "Pioneer Mothers of Colorado" statue at The Denver Post building Although by the close of the 1860s, Denver residents could look with pride at their success establishing a vibrant supply and service center, the decision to route the nation's first transcontinental railroad through Cheyenne, rather than Denver, threatened the prosperity of the young town. A daunting 100 miles away, citizens mobilized to build a railroad to connect Denver to the transcontinental railroad. Spearheaded by visionary leaders including Territorial Governor John Evans, David Moffat, and Walter Cheesman, fundraising began. Within three days, $300,000 had been raised, and citizens were optimistic. Fundraising stalled before enough was raised, forcing these visionary leaders to take control of the debt-ridden railroad. Despite challenges, on June 24, 1870, citizens cheered as the Denver Pacific completed the link to the transcontinental railroad, ushering in a new age of prosperity for Denver.[24]http://aleksredondo.blogspot.com