About Boulder, Colorado

Red Rocks above Settler’s Park

Boulder’s first settlement occurred on October 17, 1858. It was below Red Rocks in the present Settler’s Park located at the west end of historic Pearl Street and the mouth of Boulder Canyon. These early adventurers were gold seekers and a small party that broke off a larger group headed for the Golden/Denver area and west.

Today, Settler’s Park is part of Boulder’s spectacular 45,000 acres of Open Space & Mountain Parks (OSMP).

Boulder City Building, 1136 Pearl Street

One of the settlers, A.A. Brookfield, organized the Boulder City Town Company on February 10, 1859. At the time, Boulder City was part of the Nebraska Territory. On February 28, 1861, Congress established the Territory of Colorado. Boulder became the county seat in 1867 and was incorporated in November 1871. Boulder City became an actual city and dropped “city” from its name.

Boulder has a rich history of agriculture, mining, grain milling, railroads, education, tourism, diversity, environmental preservation and quality of life.

Boulder has been home to its Chautauqua since July 4, 1898; it is one of three remaining Chautauquas in the U.S. Chautauquas were well-respected family retreats, focusing on culture, music, nature, family activities and often religion.

Hotel Boulderado, 13th & Spruce

Boulder introduced their “first-class” Hotel Boulderado when the first guest arrived on New Years Day 1909. The hotel incorporated “Boulder and Colorado” for a brand worthy of the city and state. The basement contains a speakeasy-style bar with liquor License No. 1.

Boulder is home to the University of Colorado, NCAR (National Center for Atmospheric Research), Celestial Seasonings, The Naropa Institute and the Boulder School of Massage Therapy. Ball Aerospace and IBM became major employers in the 1950s-1960s.

Learn more about Boulder’s Beginnings at BoulderColoradoUSA, the History of Boulder at BoulderColorado.gov and a Timeline of Significant Events in the History of Boulder County, Colorado.

Check out Boulder’s Amazing Facts!

Boulder Museums

Boulder has nine interesting and diverse museums including: History & Heritage, Arts, Mining & Assay, Western Arts, Natural History and the Carroll Shelby auto collection. Click on the Museum List tab, carousel or map markers and cluster markers to find a Boulder Museum.