Evergreen History

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Evergreen History

Early Settlement & Resource Extraction in Evergreen, Colorado

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The Founding of Evergreen Colorado The town of Evergreen Colorado was founded in 1890 by a group of settlers who were looking for a place to call home. The town was named after the evergreen trees that surrounded the area. The town quickly grew in size and soon became a thriving community. The town was quickly populated with miners, trappers, ranchers, and farmers. The town was a popular destination for those looking for a place to start a new life. The town was surrounded by rolling hills and towering evergreen trees, and it quickly became known as a peaceful and beautiful place to live. Evergreen, Colorado’s history is characterized by logging and its development as a recreational and residential area. Early settlers like John J. Clarke logged lumber to supply the growing demand in Denver, while the Humphrey family later named the property Kinnikinnik Ranch. Evergreen evolved into a popular destination for tourists and residents, with its historic downtown and attractions like the Evergreen Lake serving as focal points for the community. Early Settlement & Resource Extraction Logging: John J. Clarke was an early settler in the late 1870s who homesteaded land and used it for logging, supplying lumber to the expanding city of Denver. Recreational Development: The Humphrey family bought the ranch in 1920, and the area began to attract miners, trappers, and eventually, ranchers and farmers, leading to its growth into a thriving community and a destination for recreation and tourism. Absence of Major Mining in Evergreen While the surrounding Colorado mountains were rich with mining activity (silver, gold, and other minerals), the Evergreen area did not develop significant mining operations. Lack of Railroads Through Evergreen Unlike the boom towns connected by railroads that hauled ore and passengers, the area around Evergreen did not see substantial railroad development. Evergreen’s Transition to a Residential & Tourist Destination Popularity: Evergreen became a popular destination for visitors and a convenient getaway for Denver residents. Attractions: Today, the area is known for its natural beauty and attractions, including Evergreen Lake and its historic downtown, attracting hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and tourists. READ MORE: History of Evergreen Colorado From the Wild West to Becoming a Denver Mountain Get Away The History of Evergreen Lake in Evergreen Colorado Railroads in Colorado, 1858-1948 Colorado Historic Mine Report Files c. 1900-1980 History of Evergreen, Colorado – Evergreen Chamber of Commerce  

history of twin spruce community evergreen colorado
Evergreen History

Twin Spruce Community History – Evergreen, Colorado

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The Twin Spruce subdivision is an established residential area located southwest of downtown Evergreen, known for its scenic, wooded surroundings. Its history is tied to the general growth of Evergreen, which evolved from a late 19th-century ranching community into a mountain retreat for city dwellers.  Wellington House: The subdivision is located behind the old Wellington House, a historical landmark that was referenced in a description of “Twin Spruce Town Homes” from the 1970s and 1980s. This suggests the Twin Spruce community was a later residential development in the area. Early settlement: The area was first settled by homesteaders in the 1860s. By the late 1800s, Denver residents began building summer homes and cabins in the area, drawn by the natural beauty and proximity to the city.  Edelweiss Circle history (on the other side of Little Cub Creek) The street name “Edelweiss” is a German reference that suggests a possible connection to the area’s history of German immigration or cultural heritage. German heritage: Research shows that the T.E.V. Edelweiss Club, a German-American organization, was active in Commerce City, Colorado, in the late 20th century provides context for German cultural influence in Colorado that may have inspired the street name. Post-war growth: The development of streets with European-inspired names often occurred during the mid-20th century as mountain towns like Evergreen were platted into residential subdivisions. Following World War II, towns across Colorado experienced significant population growth, leading to the creation of new neighborhoods and streets. 

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