In Arvada, the sentiment “I love that place!” is said often and proudly. A gem of a city located just northwest of our state’s capitol of Denver, Arvada is a community unlike many others. Arvada consistently competes with the larger metropolitan areas in the areas of business and commerce but retains its small-town charm that that other suburbs can’t replicate. A highly educated workforce, low crime rate and excellent quality of life have all contributed to the popularity of Colorado’s 8th largest city. The early beginnings of Arvada can be summed up in one word: GOLD! The first documented discovery of gold in the Rocky Mountain region occurred on June 22, 1850, when Lewis Ralston, a Georgia prospector headed for the California gold fields, dipped his sluice pan into a small stream near its mouth at Clear Creek. Ralston found about ¼ ounce worth about five dollars. Ralston’s companions named the stream Ralston’s Creek in his honor. Ralston continued on to California but returned to ‘Ralston’s Creek’ with the Green Russell party eight years later. Members of this party founded Auraria (later Denver City) in 1858 and touched off the gold rush to the Rockies. Arvada grew rapidly during the latter half of the 20th century as a suburb of nearby Denver. Arvada became a Statutory City on October 31, 1951. Currently, Arvada boasts a population of more than 100,000. Arvada encompasses nearly 23,000 acres and is home to one of the top twenty Colorado’s wealthiest zip codes. Showcasing an extensive trail system that connects residents to the larger regional trail system, Arvada is just minutes from DIA, downtown Denver and popular mountain communities. Residents enjoy quaint neighborhoods, a robust mix of businesses and strong civic guidance. Arvada has been the recipient of state and national level awards for its business retention program. A favorite destination among residents and visitors alike is the historic shopping district, Olde Town Arvada. Home to more than 100 one-of-a-kind restaurants and boutiques, Olde Town is a connecting entity for this city. Whether the goal is to find a candy and ice cream shop that houses more calories than you care to think about or participate in a personalized brewing class to learn how the microwbrew magic is perfected, Olde Town is the place for you. Olde Town is also home to several of Arvada’s signature events. Whether it involves the lighting of the Christmas tree in the Town Square, participating in a chocolate treasure hunt, or buying fresh fruits and vegetables at the weekly Farmers Market, Olde Town strives for free, family-focused fun. The roots of Arvada, Colorado go back to June 22, 1850, when Lewis Ralston made the first documented discovery of gold in Colorado. Ralston didn't stay to capitalize on his discovery, but continued on his planned journey to the gold fields of California, later returning to his native Georgia. But in 1858, he guided a group of gold seekers back to the ancestral lands of the Cheyenne and Arapahoe to see if they could find their fortune on the banks of the creek which now bore his name. At the confluence of Ralston and Clear Creeks, the explorers indeed found gold, but not enough to make much of a profit, even with the addition of sluice boxes powered by canals. They began to move upstream, in the hope of finding richer deposits, perhaps even veins of gold. And so they did, at Gregory Gulch, with the famous find that started the Gold Rush of 1859. For more on the history of Arvada visit www.arvadahistory.org
