Inklusion
  • INKLUSION
Sunday, July 6, 2025
  • HOME
  • TRENDING
  • DENVER FOODIE
  • REAL ESTATE
  • AUTO
  • HEALTH
  • SPORTS
  • EVENTS
  • HOME
  • TRENDING
  • DENVER FOODIE
  • REAL ESTATE
  • AUTO
  • HEALTH
  • SPORTS
  • EVENTS
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
Home History
This is how Denver got its name

Closeup of Denver, Colorado on a political map of the United States.

This is how Denver got its name

by Ebony Williams
February 28, 2024
in History, Trending
0
0
SHARES
327
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Denver, the “Mile High City,” is brimming with references to its founders. So, wouldn’t it be natural to assume the city itself was named after an early settler? Think again!

According to Denver Public Library, the story behind Denver’s name is a curious mix of ambition, missed connections, and a dash of bad luck for its namesake.

Long before Denver became a bustling metropolis, the land belonged to various indigenous tribes. But the 1858 Pike’s Peak Gold Rush sent prospectors flooding in from the east. Several settlements sprouted up, including Auraria and St. Charles. Then came William Larimer Jr., who, according to Encyclopedia Britannica, essentially “jumped the claim” on one of these settlements, renaming it “Denver City.”

Here’s where things get interesting. The name “Denver” wasn’t chosen out of personal connection, but as a calculated move to gain favor with James W. Denver, the then governor of the Kansas Territory.

Larimer hoped this would secure Denver City’s place as the Arapahoe County seat. Unfortunately, news traveled slower back then, and by the time Larimer and his crew arrived in Kansas, Governor Denver had already stepped down!

James Denver, born in Virginia, lived a diverse life, traversing California, Ohio, and even the Kansas Territory (before becoming Denver!). He never set foot in his namesake city until 1875, and historical records suggest a lukewarm reception upon his two visits (1875 and 1883).

So, Denver, the city, was named after James W. Denver, though the timing of the naming wasn’t quite as impactful as Larimer had hoped.

Related Posts

Three Colorado Hangouts for Pets (and Their People) Make USA TODAY’s 10 Best List
Trending

Three Colorado Hangouts for Pets (and Their People) Make USA TODAY’s 10 Best List

July 6, 2025
VIDEO: Douglas County House Fire Blamed on Improperly Discarded Fireworks
Trending

VIDEO: Douglas County House Fire Blamed on Improperly Discarded Fireworks

July 6, 2025
Colorado’s UFO Watchtower Is the Weirdest Pit Stop You’ll Ever Love
Adventures

Colorado’s UFO Watchtower Is the Weirdest Pit Stop You’ll Ever Love

July 5, 2025
Fourth of July Sparks Chaos: Fire Crews Battle Blazes Across Metro Area
Trending

Fourth of July Sparks Chaos: Fire Crews Battle Blazes Across Metro Area

July 5, 2025
Next Post
According to Zillow, this is how much you’ll need to own a house  or rent comfortably in Denver

According to Zillow, this is how much you'll need to own a house or rent comfortably in Denver

Caught Hitchhiking! Curious Critter Takes Scenic Route to the Denver Zoo
Trending

Caught Hitchhiking! Curious Critter Takes Scenic Route to the Denver Zoo

by Larry Ulibarri
July 2, 2025
0

Unwilling Tourist: Marmot Sneaks Into Truck, Ends Up at Denver Zoo A routine return trip turned into an unexpected rescue...

Read moreDetails
Colorado’s UFO Watchtower Is the Weirdest Pit Stop You’ll Ever Love

Colorado’s UFO Watchtower Is the Weirdest Pit Stop You’ll Ever Love

July 5, 2025
UPDATE: Suspect Arrested After Two Men Fatally Stabbed Hours Apart in Aurora

UPDATE: Suspect Arrested After Two Men Fatally Stabbed Hours Apart in Aurora

July 1, 2025
Historic La Vista Motel Reopens on Colfax with Coffee, Cocktails, and a Vintage Vibe

Historic La Vista Motel Reopens on Colfax with Coffee, Cocktails, and a Vintage Vibe

July 1, 2025
How This Colorado Coach Is Helping High Performers Rewire From the Inside Out

How This Colorado Coach Is Helping High Performers Rewire From the Inside Out

July 1, 2025
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise

© 2021 I'm From Denver - Colorado's fastest growing online publication

No Result
View All Result
  • HOME
  • TRENDING
  • DENVER FOODIE
  • REAL ESTATE
  • AUTO
  • HEALTH
  • SPORTS
  • EVENTS

© 2021 I'm From Denver - Colorado's fastest growing online publication

X