Golf in fall with the city in the background - Photo by Matt Inden/Weaver Multimedia Group

Even by American standards, Denver is a young city. The gold strike that launched it occurred just 140 years ago. Denver and Colorado didn't join the Union until 1876, the same year Alexander Graham Bell patented the telephone and baseball's National League held its first pennant race. By the time the local population reached a million, NASA was on the brink of putting men on the moon.

But what Denver may lack in 17th-century history, it makes up for in youthful vigor. Denver is full of energy and you can feel it. Since 1990 it has built a brand-new airport, baseball stadium, central library, downtown amusement park and light-rail system. That much change might unsettle an older town, but Denver has absorbed the additions and the city's national profile is on the rise. In 1993 Pope John Paul II came here for the World Youth Conference and in the summer of 1997 President Clinton and leaders from Europe and Asia convened in Denver for the Summit of the Eight.

Denver has long strived to acquire the trappings of a grown-up metropolis, and the results of those efforts are seen everywhere. In addition to great museums, thriving neighborhoods, a flourishing arts scene and an ethnically diverse population, Denver boasts a happening downtown core full of restaurants, clubs, boutiques, galleries and packed sidewalks. Thankfully, though, the city remains in touch with its "inner child" - the enterprising, occasionally reckless frontier town of not so long ago. Historic buildings and preservation districts abound. Denver's committment to maintaining open space can be seen in its outstanding park system.

Denver has matured to a point of sophistication and cultural attainment, yet it remains youthful, enthusiastic and primed for action, much like Colorado itself.

LARGEST CITY: The Denver metropolitan area has about 2.1 million residents; just under 500,000 live within Denver city limits.

FAMOUS RESIDENTS: Mamie Eisenhower, Douglas Fairbanks Sr., and Judy Collins were born here. Molly Brown made it her adopted home.

HERITAGE HIGHLIGHTS: The Rocky Mountain region has long looked to Denver as the financial and cultural hub of the area. Founded on the modest confluence of the South Platte River and Cherry Creek, this former mining camp quickly turned into the capital of regional commerce. Among its charming neighborhoods and historic districts, you’ll discover a wealth of heritage-oriented attractions.

Additional articles:
Black American West Museum and Five Points Neighborhood
Colorado State Capitol

FUN FACT: Wynkoop, Blake, Larimer, Lawrence, Curtis, and Welton streets are named after members of the town company that founded Denver.