Once a mining town, Denver is now the capital city of Colorado. It is an important center for transportation, industry, and culture. Denver is known as the “Mile High City” because it sits about 1 mile, or 5,280 feet (1,609 meters), above sea level. The city lies on the western edge of the Great Plains, just east of the Rocky Mountains. Places of interestDenver has much to offer locals and visitors. The nearby mountains and frosty climate make it a main center for winter sports and outdoor activities. A popular spot for skiing is Winter Park. The city also has about 200 parks with beautiful scenery. Close by, the Denver Mountain Parks run to the hilly base of the Rocky Mountains. There are many interesting things to see in the city itself. The State Capitol is topped by a 272-foot (83-meter) gold-leafed dome. Larimer Square, a historic commercial district, has many shops, restaurants, and nightclubs. Denver also has many museums. These include the Denver Art Museum and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Plays and live music can be enjoyed at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Denver has professional football, baseball, basketball, and hockey teams. The city also has several colleges and universities, including the University of Denver and Regis University. EconomyDenver has many jobs in the tourism, high-technology, health care, and banking industries. The city produces electronic equipment and equipment for space travel. The Denver branch of the U.S. Mint was opened in 1906. HistoryA gold rush in 1859 helped establish Denver. People looking for gold set up settlements in this area. These settlements then grew into towns. One of these towns was named Denver City for the governor of the area, James W. Denver. In 1863, a fire destroyed much of the town. A year later, a flood damaged many of its buildings. Denver became the capital of Colorado in 1867. Denver remained the capital when Colorado became a state in 1876. The people of Denver set up their own railroad company. They built a line connecting the city with the Union Pacific at Cheyenne, Wyoming. The railroad line was completed in 1870. The Kansas Pacific Railroad reached Denver a short time later. These railroads helped bring money and people to the area. The population in 1870 was 4,759. In 1890, 106,713 people lived in Denver. Silver mining in the 1870s and 1880s also brought many people to Denver. Population (2000 census), city, 554,636. |