Central in Denver in Denver County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Denver City

Lower Downtown Historic District

— Established 1988 —

Photographed by Christopher Light, December 24, 2007

1. Lower Downtown Historic District Marker

Inscription. The area known today as Lower Downtown, is the Location of the original town of Denver. Gold seekers from Lawrence, Kansas staked the first claim in September of 1858, under the name St. Charles Town Association, but they left only one man to protect their claim. Later that same year, another group from Kansas persuaded the lone man to relinquish the claim. General William Larimer, named the town in Honor of the Kansas Territorial Governor, James William Denver, to ensure the success of this new claim. There were only 25 cabins in Denver during that first winter of 1858, and less than 50 in the neighboring town of Auraria. However, the following year of 1859 brought thousands of men who had heard the often exaggerated tales of large gold strikes in the Denver area. Between the years 1850 and 1870, over 27 million dollars in gold was taken out of the vast wilderness area surrounding Denver. Although some settlers came to start a new life in this young town, most were only interested in making a quick fortune. As a result, Denver's rapidly growing population consisted largely of disorderly vagrants. In the beginning

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of Denver's History, most of the town's buildings were constructed of wood. Consequently, the fire of 1863 completely destroyed large portions of the young town. To prevent the possibility of future disasters, more permanent brick buildings were erected. These buildings, as well as the ones built during the ensuing years can still be seen in the Historic Lower Downtown District.

Erected 1988 by Denver Landmark Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1858.

Location. 39° 44.931′ N, 105° 0.095′ W. Marker is in Denver, Colorado, in Denver County. It is in Central. It is at the intersection of Blake Street and 14th Street, on the right when traveling south on Blake Street. Located where Blake Street crosses Cherry Creek on the northwest side of the street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1401 Blake Street, Denver CO 80202, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Colorado’s Front Range.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally,

Photographed by Christopher Light, December 24, 2007

2. Lower Downtown Historic District Marker

it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Elephant Corral (within shouting distance of this marker); The Rocky Mountain News (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named The Elephant Corral (about 300 feet away); Constitution Hall (about 500 feet away); 15th/Wazee Street (about 500 feet away); Barney Ford Building (about 600 feet away); Wynkoop Street RR Bridge (about 600 feet away); Manny's Bridge (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Denver.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 27, 2008, by Christopher Light of Valparaiso, Indiana. This page has been viewed 3,507 times since then and 90 times this year. Last updated on February 14, 2010, by Bruce Quackenbush of Denver, Colorado. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 27, 2008, by Christopher Light of Valparaiso, Indiana. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.