What if walls could talk? What tales would they spin at Four Mile Historic Park? This park, a verdant 12-acre oasis in Denver, whispers stories of the Old West. It shelters Denver’s oldest standing structure, the Four Mile House Museum, a time capsule from 1859. Four Mile Historic Park isn’t just a building; it’s a living testament to Denver’s vibrant past.
Four Mile Historic Park began as a simple two-story log cabin built by brothers Samuel and Jonas Brantner. They catered to travelers along the Cherokee Trail, a route forged by Indigenous peoples long before. The savvy businesswoman Mary Cawker bought the property in 1860, transforming it into a bustling inn. Imagine the lively atmosphere, with hot meals, dances on the second floor, and the constant flow of stagecoach passengers. It was a rare sight: a woman owning and operating a business in the 1800s. With the arrival of the Butterfield Stage Company, Four Mile House became the final stop before Denver, a vital link in a chain of six “mile houses” along Cherry Creek. Of these, only Four Mile House and the Seventeen Mile House remain today.
Disaster struck in May when floods ravaged the area, leaving Four Mile House an island. Mary Cawker sold the property to Millie and Levi Booth. Levi, an innovator, established an irrigation system, digging the “First Attempt Ditch” and later the “Success Ditch.” These ditches watered the land and allowed for a flourishing apple orchard. The Booths also added a stylish brick extension to the original log cabin. They witnessed the decline of stagecoach travel with the arrival of the railroad, forcing them to focus on farming. Four Mile Historic Park thrived under their stewardship, growing to over 600 acres. After Levi’s passing in 1912 and Millie’s in 1926, the property was inherited by their daughter, Grace, and her husband, Daniel Working.
The property changed hands again in the mid-20th century, passing to Glen and Pearl Boulton until 1963. As Denver expanded, Four Mile Historic Park, once on the outskirts, found itself surrounded by the burgeoning city. Recognizing its historical importance, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1967, one of the first Denver properties to receive this honor. The City and County of Denver acquired the property, initiating preservation efforts and archaeological investigations. These digs unearthed the foundations of lost structures, including Millie Booth’s Bee House. In 1977, the non-profit Four Mile Historic Park Inc. was formed to manage the property and develop the museum we see today. The Bee House was meticulously reconstructed based on old photos and archaeological findings. Today, Four Mile Historic Park stands as a tribute to Colorado’s rich history, a place where the stories of pioneers, entrepreneurs, and Indigenous peoples intertwine. It’s a journey back in time, a reminder of the resilience and ingenuity of those who shaped the West.