The True Flavors of Denver

Denver was originally home to several Native American tribes, including the Apache, Ute, Cheyenne, Comanche, and Arapaho people.
In the summer of 1858, a group of gold prospectors from Lawrence, Kansas established the first settlement in the area, known as Montana City. However, this settlement was soon abandoned in 1859 in favor of another mining town nearby.
Denver’s foundation truly began in November 1858 when land speculators established a new settlement across the river from Montana City. They named their new city in honor of Kansas Territorial Governor, James W. Denver.