What was denver named after

After all, the California Gold Rush had occurred just nine years earlier. It wasn't long before tents, tepees, wagons, lean-tos, and crudely constructed log cabins lined the banks of the South Platte River as prospectors and fortune-seekers poured into the area.

They came from all over the country, traveling on foot, in covered wagons, by horseback, and even pushing their belongings in wheelbarrows. Pikes Peak, a 14,foot mountain to the south of the mining camp served as both a landmark and a rallying cry for weary travelers. The "Pikes Peak or Bust! However, gold wasn't the only way to strike it rich in the boomtown that was springing up on the banks of the South Platte. Those who arrived early enough could simply stake out a claim of land, lay out city streets, and then sell the lots to those arriving after them.

General William H. Larimer didn't arrive early but followed the plan perfectly. He claim-jumped the land on the eastern side of Cherry Creek, laid out a city and, in hopes of gaining political favor, named the city after Kansas Territorial governor James Denver. What he didn't know was that Denver had already resigned. A great fire burned much of Denver's business district to the ground in The following year, a flash flood swept down Cherry Creek, killing 20 people and causing a million dollars in damage.

And shortly after that, an Indian war broke out, cutting stage stations and supply lines and leaving Denver with just six weeks of food. The early hardships only solidified the resolve of Denver's citizens and made them more determined to not just survive but to thrive. Soon after, the Kansas Pacific Railroad crossed the plains to Denver and, when a major silver strike was hit in Leadville, Denver was a boomtown once again.

Press of Colorado, , with Stephen J. Tom Noel: Denver is such an unlikely place for a city to be. There was nobody to receive us or give us information I naturally received the impression there were not many people in Denver City who cared much about me. Sadly, the crying smiley face emoji was not yet invented to help fully express the General's pain. The city of Denver, sadly, never got another chance to shower the good General with the praise he felt he so richly deserved, as he passed into eternity just a few months after unloading his feelings about visiting Denver.

A few months after penning the letter, Denver died in Washington, D. A friend who sat by his bedside is said to have remarked,. So the sun set on a man whose name will forever be remembered, much more than the man himself.

But what else did James W. Denver do during his life? There are, in fact, many other noteworthy moments in Denver's life, including a remarkable and deadly duel with rifles, that we'll look at in more depth in Who Was the City of Denver Named After? Meet General James W. Denver: Part 2.

I am in the process of moving to the Berkeley neighborhood after living in for many years in Evanston, IL and, quite excited about this change, have been wanting to know more about Denver - including the origin of the city's name. What fun to discover your lively story on the DPL website. Thank you for this enlightenment!

We love these DEN history write-ups, great job. Is there any truth that Denver resigned as Territorial Governor due to a corruption charge? With that drop, Denver's economy went into a speedy and dreadful tailspin. As a result, Denver experienced a large exodus of people and the highest office vacancy rate 30 percent in the country. Large layoffs included 15, people just in the oil industry, for example. However, other aspects in the energy and mining industries played an important role in the city's economic recovery.

After some unforeseen delays, the complex was completed in September The luggage system, which used acutators to move luggage from belt to belt, never worked effectively and was abandoned in by the last carrier to use it — United Airlines. In , Denver became the first major city in America to make the private use of less than one ounce of marijuana legal for adults 21 and older.

In a highly controversial and emotionally charged issue, Denver residents voted Denver is a prime example of urban sprawl with Boulder, Lakewood , Loveland, and Lafayette , all within close proximity of downtown. Each of these neighboring cities was originally established to provide housing for those wishing to escape the city, as well as find less expensive commercial and industrial space for businesses, but unchecked expansion has enveloped them, nonetheless. Historic Denver remembered Places of historic interest include the Colorado History Museum, which was built in General William H.

Larimer wasn't an early arrival but followed the plan perfectly. He claim-jumped the land on the eastern side of Cherry Creek, laid out a city and, in hopes of gaining political favor, named the city after Kansas Territorial Governor James Denver.

Denver was an American politician, soldier and lawyer. He served in the California state government, as an officer in the United States Army in two wars, and as a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives from California. He served as secretary and Governor of the Kansas Territory during the struggle over whether or not Kansas would be open to slavery.

More Info: www. Test your knowledge.