Denver: A Silver Past, A Golden Future

Denver: A Silver Past, A Golden Future is the third volume in a series of books about landmark Colorado communities by author Susan Dalton. This is a tabletop, gift book, replete with graphic design. An eclectic assortment of graphics including antique prints, historical photos, and old paper memorabilia, paintings, maps, and vintage postcards illustrate this history of Denver. The present site of Denver was only a stop on the way to Oregon, as covered wagons followed the Oregon Trail during the early 1900s, until the discovery of gold near Cherry Creek ignited the Gold Rush of 1859. "Pikes Peak or Bust" became the rallying cry for fortune seekers, many who flocked to Colorado, only to be disappointed by what then was called the "Pikes Peak Hoax." Those lucky enough to survive the trip west were woefullly disappointed with the dismal prospects of actually finding gold and the expensive cost and strenuous effort required to extract it. After twin settlements of Auraria and Denver City were established, the two united into one city that was called Denver. Denver was a Wild West mining town, built along the banks of two sides of Cherry Creek. In its early days, it survived lawlessness, floods, fire, and attacks by Rocky Mountain locusts. Making sure that Denver connected to a transatlantic railroad was key to its growth and establishment as the most important business hub in the West. Railroads made mining profitable. More than any other industry, mining built the city of Denver. But Denver was lucky -- it was also declared the capital of the city of Denver. But Denver was lucky -- it was also declared the capital of Colorado, bringing government administration. The city grew as a business center for ranching and farming, oil and gas exploration, finance, and tourism. While the wealthy were enjoying a lifestyle comparable to any successful city in the U.S., many workers suffered from inequalities in housing, medical care, and basic rights. The community of Denver has worked hard through the decades of the 1900s to overcome its social problems, and to embrace new and changing businesses. The new millennium has brought educated youth, progressive mass transit ideas, and an urban population concerned about its city's outdoor environment. An Extra: Inside you will find 18 postcards to pull out, send to friends or share with family. They will help you to remember Denver and its colorful history.

Hardcover
143 Pages