Metro North Then and Now

The history of Colorado is an exciting story of survival, determination and optimism. There is evidence that as early as 9300 B.C. big game hunters occupied the plains as well as the western plateaus. By the year 1500, Ute Indians inhabited the mountain areas of the southern Rocky Mountains, making these Native Americans the oldest continuous residents of Colorado. When President Thomas Jefferson signed the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the United States acquired a vast area of land, which included what is now most of eastern Colorado. Around this time, many Indian tribes roamed Colorado and contributed to the state's history. The Apache, Cheyenne, Utes, Arapahoe, Comanche and Kiowa were among some of the different tribes.

In 1858, gold was discovered in an area that is now central Denver. After that, there was a tremendous westward migration to the state and the Gold Rush was on. Historians estimate that approximately 50,000 people came to Colorado in search of gold in 1858 and 1859. In 1900, gold production reached its peak of more than $20,000,000 annually at Cripple Creek, the second richest gold camp in the world.

Many attempts were made to gain statehood for Colorado following the establishment of the territory. It was not until 1876, fifteen years after becoming a territory, that Colorado was admitted as the thirty-eighth state in the union. Colorado was named the "Centennial State" in honor of the one-hundredth year of the Declaration of Independence.

Production of silver, coal, uranium, molybdenum and petroleum dominated Colorado’s economy into the early part of the 20th century. The northern Colorado coal field was one of the most substantial sources of coal in Colorado, and many towns were founded near these coal mines. With the start of WWII, military and governmental installations became an important part of Colorado’s economy. With the expansion of the oil industry in the early 1980’s there was another construction boom.

From the 1980’s through the 1990’s there was a major growth of technological industries in Colorado. Today much of the area’s economy centers around high technology and the service industry. Farming of both dry and irrigated land, as well as livestock grazing is still common in the eastern part of the state.

With the movement of several high-tech companies to the Metro North region in the early 90’s, there followed even more growth in housing, population and the local economy. Drive anywhere around the Metro North region and you will see many new homes, office buildings and shopping centers being built. The state predicts a steady increase in construction jobs through 2006. Today, the Metro North region continues to prosper in every way. A robust business environment, easily accessible cultural and recreational choices, picturesque scenery, as well as beautiful and diverse residential communities make the Metro North region a great place to live, work and play.