The Rich History of Arvada

Gold was discovered here on June 22, 1850, by Lewis Ralston - the first documented gold strike in Colorado.  This event is commemorated by Gold Strike Park and our annual Arvada Gold Strike Festival every June.

The early settlers came for gold and stayed to farm.  By 1860, the area was known as Ralston’s Point.  In 1870, the railroad reached the village of 100 souls, and Benjamin Wadsworth and Louis Reno platted a town.

In December of 1870, Wadsworth established a post office.  His wife suggested the name “Arvada,” after her brother-in-law, Hiram Arvada Haskins.  His mother found this name on a map of the Holy Land in her bible.

Arvada was soon the hub of business, social and religious life for a large portion of northern Jefferson County.  The town of 600 was incorporated in 1904, and by 1960, the population was 19,000.  Today, the population is over 103,000.

This heritage is still visible in the buildings of Olde Town Arvada, which now house a vibrant, modern retail district, rich in shopping, dining and services.  Olde Town Arvada is on the National Register of Historic Places, and is the only accredited National Main Street Community in Metro Denver.

Source:  Arvada Historical Society

The Arvada Historical Society offers tours of Olde Town Arvada and the Arvada Flour Mill, a local landmark that is listed on the National Register.  Visit their headquarters at historic McIlvoy House, 7307 Grandview Avenue (303-431-1261) for more information on the history of Arvada, including historic documents, photographs, high school yearbooks and much, much more!  Business hours are Tuesday - Saturday, 11 am - 3 pm.