Denver

Denver, originally founded as Denver City, was established on November 22, 1858, during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush as a mining town in western Kansas Territory. Named after Kansas Territorial Governor James W. Denver, the city was founded by General William Larimer, a land speculator from eastern Kansas. Larimer placed cottonwood logs to stake a claim on the bluff overlooking the confluence of the South Platte River and Cherry Creek, creating a burgeoning frontier settlement. With the influx of gold seekers and despite competition from nearby towns such as St. Charles and Auraria, Denver quickly grew to become a commercial hub and eventually the territorial capital.

Colorado was admitted to the Union as the 38th state on August 1, 1876. This event marked the end of Colorado's turbulent early years as a territory, characterized by rapid growth and clashes with Native American tribes. Denver, as the territory's leading city, played a pivotal role in Colorado's push for statehood. The city's population boomed, driven by mining and railroads. Denver was chosen as the temporary state capital, and in 1881 it was selected as the permanent capital, cementing its status as the political and economic heart of the new state.

The 1908 Democratic National Convention, held in Denver from August 9 to 14, was a significant political event as it was the first time a major political party held its national nominating convention in a western state. The convention nominated William Jennings Bryan for president and John W. Kern for vice president. Denver's choice as the host city reflected the growing political and economic importance of the American West. The convention drew thousands of visitors, and for Denver, it was a moment to showcase its development and importance beyond just a regional hub.

In a historic vote, Denver became the first city to reject the Olympics after being awarded the 1976 Winter Games. Initially selected over Sion, Switzerland; Tampere, Finland; and Vancouver, Canada, Denver faced intense opposition from the public over environmental and financial concerns. The unprecedented decision followed a 59% to 41% vote against state funding for the games, held amid growing environmental consciousness and concern about urban and natural resources. As a result, the IOC rescinded the games from Denver and awarded them to Innsbruck, Austria, sparking an ongoing conversation in Colorado about tourism, development, and conservation.

The Colorado Rockies, Denver's Major League Baseball team, were established on December 11, 1991, and played their first game in 1993. Part of the 1993 MLB expansion that also included the Florida Marlins, the Rockies brought major league baseball to the Mountain West for the first time. Playing initially at Mile High Stadium before moving to Coors Field in 1995, the Rockies quickly built a competitive team known for their high-scoring games and fan-friendly atmosphere. Their establishment marked an important cultural and economic milestone for Denver, fostering local pride and further diversifying the city's sports scene.

In 2008, Denver hosted the Democratic National Convention for the second time, with the event running from August 25 to 28. The convention was notable for nominating Barack Obama, who became the first African American major party presidential nominee in U.S. history. Held primarily at the Pepsi Center, the convention culminated at Invesco Field with Obama's historic acceptance speech. Denver leveraged its location as a central national hub, showcasing its ability to host large-scale events amidst tight security and intense global media attention, reflecting the city's continued political and logistical significance.

On November 6, 2012, Colorado passed Amendment 64, thereby legalizing the recreational use of marijuana. This groundbreaking decision followed a statewide vote and positioned Colorado as one of the first two U.S. states to fully legalize cannabis outside of medical purposes, alongside Washington. The implementation of this law in Denver and statewide marked the beginning of a significant shift in public policy concerning drug laws, igniting debates about regulation, taxation, and health implications. Denver, as the state's largest city, became a focal point for the emerging industry, drawing international attention.

The Denver teachers' strike in February 2019 was a significant labor action organized by the Denver Classroom Teachers Association (DCTA), marking the first such strike in the district in 25 years. Teachers demanded changes to the incentive-based pay system, seeking better salaries and more reliable compensation. The strike lasted three days and affected over 90,000 students. It ended with an agreement that resulted in salary increases and changes to the pay system, reflecting broader national tensions in educational labor relations around compensation, job security, and teacher support.

Denver, like many cities across the United States, was the scene of significant demonstrations following the death of George Floyd in May 2020. Denver's protests began on May 28 and continued for several days, involving thousands of participants and leading to clashes with police. The protests, part of a nationwide movement against police violence and systemic racism, involved marches, peaceful gatherings, and instances of civil unrest. They drew attention to calls for police reform and highlighted racial justice issues, with Denver's civic leaders responding to community demands for policy changes.

On April 20, 2021, Denver, alongside cities across the nation, responded to the guilty verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. The response was largely positive, with community gatherings reflecting on the broader implications for justice and policing in America. Denver's civic and community leaders acknowledged the verdict as a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for racial equality and police accountability. This event reinforced Denver's role in the national dialogue on social justice, furthering conversations on policy reform and community-police relations.