Englewood

Hidden beneath the bustling streets of Englewood, Colorado, lies a story waiting to be unearthed. It’s a story of gold, ambition, and a city that rose from the dust of a creek bed. Englewood. This town, nestled in the South Platte River Valley, wasn’t always the vibrant hub it is today. Its story begins in 1858, a time when whispers of gold brought fortune seekers to the unassuming Little Dry Creek. William Green Russell, a man with a glint of gold in his eye, had struck a vein, igniting what would become known as the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush. Englewood’s founder, Thomas Skerritt, arrived two years later, envisioning a future beyond the gold dust. He named his fledgling settlement Orchard Place. Skerritt, a man of action, carved the first road connecting Denver to Orchard Place with his own plow. In 1879, the ring of the first telephone echoed through the small town. Progress was taking hold. In 1883, the Cherrelyn horsecar became a beloved symbol of Englewood. This unique transit system carried passengers uphill by horse and relied on gravity for the downhill journey. Englewood officially became a city in 1903. Jacob Jones, a prominent landowner, won the mayoral race by a mere five votes, edging out Skerritt. Jones’ vision transformed Englewood from a rough-and-tumble frontier town into a family-friendly community. In 1948, Englewood made a bold move, securing its water independence by purchasing land and creating the McLellan Reservoir. This foresight provided water security for Englewood and much of the south metro area. A building boom followed. By 1960, Englewood’s landscape was transformed. The city continued to evolve, embracing change while honoring its past. The once-grand Cinderella City Mall, the largest west of the Mississippi, was demolished to make way for a modern transit-oriented development. Englewood’s story is one of transformation and progress. From a dusty creek bed where gold sparked a rush to a vibrant city, Englewood has embraced change while holding onto the spirit of its founders. It’s a city that continues to evolve, a testament to the vision and determination of those who saw potential in the shadows of the Rocky Mountains.