Boulder, Colorado, holds a rich and storied history, with one of its most captivating chapters being the famed Colorado Gold Rush. The rush began in 1858, drawing hopeful prospectors from far and wide in search of the precious metal that would forever shape the region. Today, the legacy of this gold rush lives on, and the area surrounding Boulder still holds the promise of striking it rich. Discovering Gold Hill One of the most iconic sites linked to the Boulder Colorado gold rush is the charming town of Gold Hill. Nestled in the foothills just northwest of Boulder, this historic town provides... Read More

When gold was discovered in the mountains of Colorado in 1858, it set off a wave of migration and change that would ripple throughout the region for decades to come. The gold rush of the mid-1800s brought thousands of people to Colorado in search of their fortune, and many of those people settled in what is now Boulder, Colorado. This article examines the legacy of the gold rush on Boulder, Colorado, and how its impact can still be felt today. From its architecture and economy to its culture and landscape, the gold rush has shaped Boulder into the vibrant, diverse city it is today. Join us as... Read More

The Gold Rush of Boulder, Colorado: A Historical Overview Unearthing Riches: Boulder’s Golden Era In the mid-19th century, the Boulder region of Colorado emerged as a focal point during the famed Gold Rush era. This period marked a significant chapter in the history of the United States, attracting thousands of prospectors in search of fortune. The Dawn of Discovery The discovery of gold near Boulder can be traced back to the late 1850s, when prospectors first identified gold in the streams and hills surrounding the area. This discovery sparked a flurry of excitement and led to a rapid influx... Read More

Up until 1858, few people from the East Coast had any interest in the area that would one day be the state of Colorado. It was not until the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush that settlers came to the region and laid the roots of the town that would become Boulder. Even though small amounts of gold were discovered in Colorado as early as 1850, they went largely ignored; the country was too caught up in the potential wealth to be had in the California Gold Rush. But when the gold of California was exhausted, heads began to turn towards Colorado–or what was then known as the Kansas Territory. The gold... Read More

A Boulder resident in the 1940s remarked that Pearl street is “a good place to buy a pair of socks.” I think this adage holds true today, and that Pearl offers Boulder exponentially more to go along with those socks. Pearl Street is supposedly named for one of the wives of the original 54 founders of Boulder. However, I have also heard whispers that “Pearl” was a madam of a brothel once located near what is now Pearl Street. The first explanation is more likely, though I find the second more provocative and appealing. If I had to describe Pearl Street, I would say it’s an intermingling... Read More

Chief Niwot (which means “Left Hand” in English) was a leader of the Southern Arapaho tribe born around 1825. He spent a great many winters in Boulder Valley, particularly at Valmont Butte, which is considered a sacred site for the Southern Arapaho. In 1851, the United States signed the Treaty of Fort Laramie with the Arapaho, Cheyenne, Crow, Sioux, Assiniboine, Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara nations. In it, US government acknowledged that much of the land between Oregon and the Rocky Mountains belonged to these tribes and in return, the Native Americans would allow wagon trains... Read More