Timeline History of the St. Vrain Valley

Around 1800:

1820:

1838:

1858-59:

1859-70:

1860's:

Jan. 28, 1871:

March 1871:

April 26, 1871:

June 1, 1871:

October 1871:

Early 1873:

1873:

Nov. 16, 1874:

1876:

May 1876:

Sept. 8, 1879:

1881:

1882:

1884:

1894:

1898:

1899:

1903:

Dec. 25, 1908:

1917:

1928:

1930's:

1950:

April 1960:

1966:

1986:

1990:

Mid-late 90's:

Arapahoe move into the plains of area from the east

Major Stephen Long leads a topographical survey through the area. Later Longs Peak is named in his honor.

Ceran St. Vrain and Bent Brothers build a trading fort at the confluence of the South Platte and an unmanned river. That river becomes known as the St. Vrain River.

Colorado gold rush

Disappointed miners settle in the St. Vrain Valley and begin to farm.

Town of Burlington grows where stage route (now US 287) crosses the St. Vrain

Chicago Colony headquarters opens in Denver and colonists begin present-day Longmont Chicago trustees choose the name "Longmont"

First newspaper published in the area:

Population reaches 400

The great Chicago fire destroys the possessions of many colonists of the Longmont area The post office moves to Longmont from the rival town of Burlington. Burlington declines and ceases to exist

First railroad comes to Longmont

Town of Erie incorporated

Colorado becomes a state

Mountain View Cemetery established

Fire destroys much of the 300 block of Main Street, prompting the city to organize its first

fire crew the next year Central School built Lyons platted

Longmont High School organized

Massive flood in St. Vrain Valley

James Cash Penney opens a butcher shop on Main Street; it folds but Penney goes on to found the J.C. Penney retail empire

First official Pumpkin Pie Days

Longmont sugar factory built

Longmont High School football team wins the national championship by beating