“Green valley” rings true. That is what Valverde means in Spanish. Imagine this Denver neighborhood as it once was.
Valverde is one of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods. It began as an independent town incorporated in 1899. Just a few years later in 1902, Valverde became part of Denver.
Before settlers arrived, the Arapaho people thrived here. They called it “niinenii-niicie” or “tallow river.” The area teemed with buffalo and plants. Turnips, plums, and chokecherries grew abundantly.
The 1851 Treaty of Fort Laramie promised the Plains Tribes governance over this land. In exchange, settlers were to be granted peaceful passage. The U.S. government pledged to protect tribal resources. But the promise was broken with the gold rush of 1858.
Valverde transformed into a farming community. It was known nationwide for high-quality celery in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Farmers later diversified. They grew lettuce, alfalfa, bell peppers, cabbage, and onions.
Development shifted. Industrial buildings replaced small farms. Warehouses and offices began to dominate the landscape.
The construction of I-25 in the 1950s further industrialized Valverde. The highway isolated the neighborhood. In 1959, Alameda Square Shopping Center opened. It housed Denver’s first shopping mall, a King Soopers, a Woolworths, and an REI.
Tragedy struck in 1965. The South Platte River flooded. About 1,400 homes were damaged or destroyed. Approximately 325 homes were condemned. Nearly 1,200 commercial buildings also suffered. The damage in Valverde alone totaled around $500,000. Many residents left to start anew.
By the 1980s, manufacturing jobs made Valverde a major employment hub. But home values declined. Residential populations decreased. Mobility options disappeared. Pollution from highways and industry increased.
Despite these challenges, Valverde became more culturally diverse. The Latino population grew significantly. In 1972, resident Elaine Ullibarri founded Servicios de La Raza. It remains a vital community center today.
In 2016, the Valverde Neighborhood Association was founded. It focuses on making a positive impact in residents’ lives.
Today, Valverde is an up-and-coming area. It features three city parks. These are Barnum East, West-Bar-Val Wood, and Valverde Park. You can cycle or walk downtown. You can also take a southerly route.
Burns Family Artisan Ales and Sleeping Giant brewery call Valverde home. The Asian Cajun is another great restaurant in the neighborhood.
Valverde has seen much change. From indigenous lands to celery farms to industrial center. It has now become a vibrant community with a rich history.