Olde Town Arvada in Jefferson County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Sparked by Gold
| | Historic Olde Town Walking Tour | |
Photographed by Deanna Bowe, November 21, 2025
1. Sparked by Gold Marker
Sparked by Gold
This thriving community is home to Colorados first documented gold strike.
Riches in the Soil
Lewis Ralston struck pay dirt when he stopped to camp here in 1850. But lured by the greater riches of the California Gold Rush, he moved on.
Gold seekers followed and prospered in the region, but Arvadas real wealth was not found in minerals. Prospectors soon found that the fortune lay in the fertile soil of the Ralston and Clear Creek valleys.
Connected by Rail
Following the arrival of the first train in the summer of 1870, founder Benjamin F. Wadsworth put Arvada on the map.
With establishment of a post office later that same year, the new town of Arvada was now official. The Colorado Central Railroad provided regular rail service between Denver and the gold mining camps in the mountains west of Arvada. Statehood followed soon after, in 1876.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 39° 47.951′ N, 105° 4.821′ W. Marker is in Arvada, Colorado, in Jefferson County.
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 marker: Supported by Agriculture (here, next to this marker); Small Town with Big City Ties (here, next to this marker); Historic Olde Town's Buildings (within shouting distance of this marker); Arvada Celebrates (within shouting distance of this marker); A Grand View (within shouting distance of this marker); Wadsworth Boulevard (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Arvada-Pride Flour Mill (about 400 feet away); Doctors Office 7401 Grandview (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arvada.
Photographed by Leslie Eudy, January 26, 2026
2. Sparked by Gold Marker Wide View
Photographed by Deanna Bowe, November 21, 2025
3. Artwork on the backside of the marker
Photographed by Deanna Bowe, November 21, 2025
4. Marker Detail
News of gold found near Denver brought a consistent stream of prospectors to the Colorado Territory. Courtesy of the Arvada Historical Society.
Photographed by Deanna Bowe, November 21, 2025
5. Marker Detail
A Colorado & Southern freight train passes through Arvada en route to Idaho Springs and Black Hawk, circa 1941. The train station in the background is near the location where you stand today. Note the buildings of Olde Town in the background. Courtesy of the Arvada Historical Society.
Photographed by Deanna Bowe, November 21, 2025
6. Marker Detail
A work train with rotary snowplow returns from clearing the tracks in the mountains after the 1913 blizzard. The train has stopped in front of the Arvada railroad depot. Photo taken from nearby the same spot where you stand today. Courtesy of the Arvada Historical Society.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 26, 2026, by Leslie Eudy of Golden, Colorado. This page has been viewed 32 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 26, 2026, by Leslie Eudy of Golden, Colorado. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
