Denver, Colorado

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and cultural center of a wide hinterland extending widely over the Great Plains and into the Rockies. It has an agreeable continental climate, with plenty of sunshine and low rainfall.

Denver is the see of a Roman Catholic archbishop and the seat of the University of Denver and the renowned University of Colorado Medical Center. It is also an important industrial center, with numerous large firms (power production, electrical apparatus, petro-chemicals, foodstuffs, publishing), a major destination for business travel and a good base for vacation trips into the Rockies.

History

In 1858 gold was discovered on Cherry Creek, and the three gold-diggers' settlements of Auraria, Highland and Denver which grew up there amalgamated in 1860-61 to form the town of Denver. In 1868, when it had a population of over 4,000, it became capital of the territory of Colorado. After the coming of the railroad in 1870 Denver was a boom town, and in 1876 became capital of the 38th state of the Union. In the late eighties it became involved in the silver and gold rush, when increasing numbers of people passed through Denver on their way to the Rockies or settled in the town. By the turn of the century it had a population of 134,000. Thereafter it developed into an important traffic hub and industrial center. It has also been popular for many years as a good base from which to explore the beauties of the Front Range. The importance of the business and tourist trade was recognized by the opening of a large new airport in 1994.

At last count, in 2006, Denver was home to over 200 parks and 29 recreation centers. The many parks provide relaxation and recreation opportunities for residents and visitors. Red Rocks Park is a mountain park noted for its scenery and the Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

Cultural life in Denver is highlighted through the Denver Art Museum, the Ellie Caulkins Opera House as well as neighbourhoods such as LoDo, with art galleries, restaurants and diverse cultural influences.