Page Contents for Denver, Colorado

Statistics & Facts

Location

Weather & Climate

Geography

History & History-related items

City Attractions

Economy

Government

Historical Events

Chamber of Commerce.

Community events.

Organizations, Churches, and Sports.

Libraries.

Schools.

Miscellany

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Statistics & Facts

The Colorado state capital is Denver.
The population of Denver is approximately 501,700 (2000), 600158 (2010).
The approximate number of families is 239,636 (1990), 263107 (2010).
The amount of land area in Denver is 397.2 sq. kilometers.
The amount of land area in Denver is 154.9 sq. miles.
The amount of surface water is 4.143 sq kilometers.
The distance from Denver to Washington DC is 1581 miles.
The distance to the Colorado state capital is miles. (as the crow flies)
Denver is positioned 39.76 degrees north of the equator and 104.87 degrees west of the prime meridian.
Denver elevation is (1 mile) 5,280 feet above sea level.
Denver per capita income is $ 24,101 (2000).
Denver median income is $ 42,370 (2005).
The Denver median home price is $ 231,900 (2005).
Denver average annual rainfall is 15.4 inches per year
Denver average annual precipitation is 15.81 inches peryear.
Denver average annual snowfall is 59.5 inches per year.
Denver average temperature is 50.1 degrees F.
The average low temperature is 36.2 degrees F.
The average high temperature is 64.2 degrees F.
The average winter temperature is 33 degrees F.
The average summer temperature is 72 degrees F.

Location

in the central part of Colorado ,approximately ten miles east of the Rocky Mountains. Nearby communities include Glendale, North Washington, Englewood, Cherry Hills Village, Sheridan, Berkley, Edgewater, Mountain View, Aurora, Lakewood, Littleton, Wheatridge, Lakeside, Commerce City and Greenwood Village.

The consolidated city and county of Denver are surrounded by the following counties: Adams County on the north and east, Arapahoe County to the south and east and on the west is Jefferson County.

Here is a map page for Denver and the area.
This map page has links to different neighborhoods in the Denver area.
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Geography

between the Rocky Mountains in the west and the High Plains in the east. It is generally considered a plains city rather than a mountain city even though it is located a mile high!
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Climate

mostly dry and mild, though snow falls often in the winter. The snow usually melts quickly because of the sunny days. Because of the closeness to the mountains, the wind is less than out on the open prairie. Denver has 300 days of bright sunshine a year!
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Weather

seasonal. Here is a weather page for Denver and the area
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History & History Related Items

Denver was named for Gen. James W. Denver, governor of Kansas Territory.

People came to the Denver area with the discovery of gold in Cherry Creek in 1858. The area was already a stopping place for trappers, traders and Native Americans. By 1860, two towns, Denver and Auraria, were combined to create the larger town of Denver. It was only seven years later that Denver was named the capital of the Colorado Territory. Bad luck arrived in 1863 when a fire nearly destroyed the city. If that wasn't enough, a year later a flash flood descended on Denver, sweeping away many of the buildings in town, including the city hall. Growth slowed during this time as the Indian wars raged. People were hesitant to come west.
By 1870, the population in Denver soared from 4,759 in 1870 to 106,713 in 1890. The large growth was due mainly to the arrival of the railroad. The people of Denver started their own railroad company when the Trans-Continental Railroad bypassed the town. They connected with the Union Pacific at Cheyenne, Wyoming. Denver was named the capital city of the new state of Colorado in 1876.
Gold remained important to the economy of Denver up until 1880, with silver passing up gold in the later years. Many people amassed a great deal of wealth during these boom years. In 1893, the silver market collapsed causing widespread economic disaster in the Denver area. Many of the "new rich" became poor once again. Agriculture and new gold discoveries helped to prevent a major downturn in the economy.
The city has has a boom-bust cycle during the 20th century. Because of this cycle, community leaders have made considerable effort to diversity the foundation of Denver's economy. The success of their effort may be seen in the stable and sustained economy of the present-day city of Denver.

A history page for Denver with a great deal of information about the past.

Special Landmarks to see in the Denver area.
Denver history tours of all types.
Denver history in pictures
Denver historical Timeline
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The founding of Denver

November 17, 1858

The incorporation of Denver

November 7, 1861

Attractions

For attractions and things to see and do in Denver, go to this attractions page

See photographs of Denver.

Denver is the gateway to the Rocky Mountain Region and is known as the Mile High City because its elevation is actually one mile high - 5,280 feet! It is one of the largest cities between the Missouri River and the coastal states. Denver is rich in history, especially of the gold rush era. It was a mining town to begin with along with much agriculture. It has evolved into a large city with emphasis on industry, business and culture. It is the state capital of Colorado. The Capitol building itself, built in 1895, has a distinctive 272 foot gold-leafed dome and is right in downtown Denver. The Denver mint, opened in 1906, makes money for the government.
Denver's center for the Performing Arts is a group of theaters and performance halls which house many companies and organizations, including the Denver Symphony. Museums include the Denver Art Museum, the Museum of Western Art and the Denver Museum of Natural History.

Museums and Culture in Denver and the area.
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Economy & Industry

partly based on its geographic position. The main economy of Denver lies in the service sector. These include, but are not limited to: Retail and wholesale trade, eating establishments, transportation and finanacial. There are many manufacturers of electronic and aerospace items. The Federal government maintains several major facilities in both military and governmental agencies
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Denver City Government

City and County of Denver

The city and county of Denver are one governmental entity and have the same boundaries.
The city is governed by a mayor who is elected on a nonpartisan ballot. A 13-member city council and an auditor are also elected. The Denver City Council is elected from 11 districts with two at-large council-members
Denver City and County Building
1460 Cherokee Street
Denver, Colorado
Phone: (303) 640-3622
Open Monday to Friday 8am to 5 pm. Closed on weekends

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Denver Police Department

Denver Historical Events

1995
Denver International Airport opens

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1902
The City and County of Denver were created from Arapahoe County

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1893
Silver Crash creates depression in Denver

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1870
Before the railroad came, Denver was quite isolated with less growth. In 1870,The Denver Pacific, Kansas Pacific and Colorado Central Railroads reached Denver, taking care of the isolation problem.

Denver Chamber

Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce
1445 Market Street
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 303-534-8500
Fax: 303-534-3200

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The Colorado Women's Chamber Of Commerce
2150 W. 29th Ave. #250
Denver, CO 80211
Phone: 303-458-0220
Fax: 303-458-0222
Email: cwcc@eazy.net

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South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce
6840 South University Blvd
Centennial, CO 80122
Phone: (303) 795-0142
Fax: (303) 795-7520
Email

Denver Community Events

September each year
Annual Denver Gem and Mineral Show
Place: Denver Merchandise Mart, 451 East 58th Avenue (I-25, Exit 215)
Time: Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sponsored by: Greater Denver Area Gem & Mineral Council
The Denver Gem & Mineral Show, in conjunction with The Colorado Fossil Expo, offers an unparalleled view of the earth sciences and of the lapidary arts, through exhibits and dealer displays from around the world.

Minerals, fossils, meteorites, gems, beads, unusual jewelry and gift items, books, and lapidary equipment are among the items sold by 150 dealers. Crafters and scientists provide demonstrations of gem cutting, jewelry making, and fossil preparation. Displays showcase some of the world's finest museum collections. The theme for 2004 is Zeolites and Associated Minerals, and we expect many outstanding displays of these exotic minerals. A major display will feature Colorado's Patriotic Geological Symbols, red rhodochrosite, white Yule marble, and blue aquamarine. Speakers will give talks on topics relating to mining and mineral collecting.

There will be free gold panning for children, and free gem and mineral identification. Mr. Bones, a walking dinosaur, will delight children of all ages. The show, which is open to the public, provides an exciting and educational experience.

The Denver Gem and Mineral Show is sponsored and produced by volunteers from the Greater Denver Area Gem & Mineral Council, a non-profit association of ten area clubs with 1400 members. All show proceeds benefit museums, scientific research, scholarships and education. For those interested, the show is a good opportunity to get in touch with one of the local clubs that continue to foster interest in the earth sciences all year round.

Adults: $ 5/day, Seniors (over 62) & Juniors (13-17): $ 3/day, Children under 13 free with adult

Denver Organizations

Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce
1445 Market Street
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 303-534-8500
Fax: 303-534-3200

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The Colorado Women's Chamber Of Commerce
2150 W. 29th Ave. #250
Denver, CO 80211
Phone: 303-458-0220
Fax: 303-458-0222
Email: cwcc@eazy.net

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South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce
6840 South University Blvd
Centennial, CO 80122
Phone: (303) 795-0142
Fax: (303) 795-7520
Email

Denver Libraries

Denver Public Library
10 W. Fourteenth Ave. Pkwy
Denver, Colorado 80204
Phone: (303) 640-6200
TTY (303) 640-6146

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US Census Bureau Library
6900 W Jefferson Ave
Denver, CO 80235-2335
Phone: 303-969-7750

Denver Schools

Denver Schools
900 Grant Street
Denver, CO 80203
Phone: (303) 764-3200
Phone: (303) 764-3414 -Public information office

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HIGHER EDUCATION

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Some of the higher education institutions located iin Denver are: The University of Denver, founded in 1864, Regis College (1888), Loretto Heights College (1918), Iliff School of Theology (1892), Metropolitan State College (1963) and the University of Colorado Medical and Denver Campuses.

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University of Denver
2199 South University Blvd.
Denver, Colorado 80208
Phone: (303) 871-2000

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Community College of Denver

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Metropolitan State College of Denver Denver

Miscellany

The metropolitan Denver/Aurora area is ranked as one of the top areas in the county for population. This figure includes Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson Counties.
The population of the Metropolitan Denver area was:
1994 - 2,047,208
2007 - 2,464,866

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The population of Denver was:
1860 - 4,749
1870 - 4,759
1880 - 35,629
1890 - 106,713
1900 - 133,859
1910 - 213,381
1920 - 256,491
1930 - 287,861
1940 - 322,412
1950 - 415,786
1960 - 493,887
1970 - 514,678
1980 - 492,365
1990 - 467,610
2000 - 554,636
2006 - 566,974
2007 - 588,349

The number of housing units was:
1990 - 239,636
2005 - 268,540

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Median Age:
2000 - 33.1 years

Median household income:
2000 - $ 39,500
2005 - $ 42,370

Median house value:
2000 - $ 165,800
2005 - $ 231,900

Denver is located in the Mountain Time Zone and does participate in daylight savings time during a portion of the year.

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Denver International Airport is the largest in the USA and second largest in the world in terms of size with over 53 square miles… Also, it has the longest commerical runway at 16,000 feet!

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Denver has a number of sister cities including the second oldest sister city in the country - Brest, France. Other sister cities include Axum in Ethiopia, Chennai in India, Cuernavaca in Mexico, Karmiel in Israel, Kunming in China, Nairobi in Kenya, Potenza in Italy, Takayama in Japan and Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia.