Olde Town Arvada in Jefferson County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Early Commerce
Historic Olde Town Walking Tour
Photographed by Leslie Eudy
1. Early Commerce Marker
Early Commerce
By the early 1900s, thriving Arvada stood apart as a community, providing goods and services for its citizens and serving as a supply center for the local area.
Flourishing Arvada
In the early 1900s, Arvada boasted a livery stable, feed store, tannery bank, general store, cigar store, grocery store, tire factory and a newspaper. Directories listed a shoemaker, telephone and electric companies, restaurants, barbers, lumber yards, real estate and insurance agents, attorneys and several churches.
Changing Times, Changing Businesses
Businesses in the 1920s reflected the changing times. The blacksmith shop began repairing automobiles and several automobile dealerships opened in existing buildings. A tire shop and service station, a beauty shop, specialty food shops and a pharmacy reflected a prosperous town. In 1925, to support these businesses, the Arvada Chamber of Commerce was organized.
The very first King Soopers market in Colorado opened in 1947 at W. 57th and Webster Streets.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 39° 48.019′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Colorado’s Front Range. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, 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 location: Discovering Historic Olde Town: A Step Back in Time (here, next to this marker); Building Community (here, next to this marker); Village, Town, City (here, next to this marker); Fire, Fire (a few steps from this marker); To Protect Lives and Property (a few steps from this marker); Arvada Retail Historic Restoration
Photographed by Leslie Eudy, November 21, 2025
2. Early Commerce Marker Wide View
Marker is on the back side of the right marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 1, 2025, by Leslie Eudy of Golden, Colorado. This page has been viewed 49 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 1, 2025, by Leslie Eudy of Golden, Colorado. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
