Denver, Colorado

1858Pike's Peak Gold Rush: Gold discoveries at the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River drew thousands of prospectors with the cry 'Pike's Peak or Bust.' The rush created Denver City almost overnight.

1976Denver Rejects the Olympics: Colorado voters rejected hosting the 1976 Winter Olympics, making Denver the only city in history to turn down the Games. Environmental and fiscal concerns drove the unprecedented decision.

1893Silver Crash Devastates Colorado: The repeal of the Sherman Silver Purchase Act collapsed silver prices, devastating Colorado's mining economy. Denver weathered the crisis by diversifying into trade, government, and agriculture.

1995Denver International Airport Opens: DIA replaced Stapleton as Denver's airport, becoming the largest airport by land area in the U.S. Its distinctive tented roof became an instant landmark — and the subject of countless conspiracy theories.

2012Colorado Legalizes Recreational Marijuana: Colorado became one of the first two states to legalize recreational marijuana, with Denver as ground zero. The social and economic experiment generated billions in tax revenue and influenced policy nationwide.

1870Railroad Finally Reaches Denver: After being bypassed by the transcontinental railroad, Denver citizens built their own spur line to connect to the main route at Cheyenne, ensuring the city's survival and growth.

1918Spanish Flu Hits Denver: The 1918 influenza pandemic struck Denver particularly hard, killing thousands. The city's experience shaped early public health policy in the Mountain West.

1927Moffat Tunnel Completed: The 6.2-mile rail tunnel through the Continental Divide connected Denver directly to western Colorado, opening up trade and travel across the Rockies.

1965Great Flood of 1965: The South Platte River flooded downtown Denver, killing 28 people and causing $600 million in damage. The disaster led to the construction of Chatfield Dam.

1993Colorado Rockies Debut: Major League Baseball came to Denver with the Rockies, who set attendance records at Mile High Stadium. Coors Field opened in 1995, anchoring the LoDo neighborhood revival.