Auraria, Denver facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Auraria
|
|
|---|---|
|
Settlement (historic) Neighborhood (current)
|
|
The Ninth Street Historic Park in Denver, Colorado
|
|
| Etymology: Auraria, Georgia | |
| Country | United States of America |
| State | Colorado |
| City | Denver |
| Founded by | William Greeneberry Russell |
| Population
(2010)
|
|
| • Total | 705 |
| ZIP Codes |
80204
|
Auraria was once a small mining town in the Kansas Territory of the United States. Today, it's a neighborhood in Denver, Colorado. You can find it where Cherry Creek and the South Platte River meet.
Contents
Exploring Auraria's Location
Auraria is located in the middle of Denver. It sits just west of downtown Denver. The neighborhood is shaped a bit like a triangle.
- To the south, it borders Colfax Avenue.
- Cherry Creek runs along its northeast side.
- The South Platte River is to its northwest.
Auraria's Past: A Look at Its History
The Start of a Mining Town
On October 3, 1858, a group of gold miners from Georgia started the town of Auraria. They were led by Green Russell. Auraria was built near the Cherry Creek Diggings. This was before another group, led by William Larimer, started the rival Denver City across Cherry Creek.
Henry Allen, a surveyor, planned the town's layout. He was also the first president of the Auraria town company. The town was named after a gold mining settlement in Auraria, Georgia. On October 29, Charles H. Blake and A.J. Williams opened the first store in Auraria, selling goods from wagons.
Early Days and Important Events
Henry Allen was also Auraria's first postmaster. On January 18, 1859, the first post office in what would become Colorado opened in Auraria. Later, on April 15, 1859, ten leaders from six communities met in Auraria. They met at Dick Wooton’s store to plan a new government called the Provisional State of Jefferson.
On April 23, William Byers started the Rocky Mountain News newspaper in Auraria. It was the first newspaper in the Rocky Mountain region. Voters did not approve the proposed state in September. But in October, they voted to create the Provisional Government of the Territory of Jefferson.
Becoming Part of Denver
Auraria stopped being a separate town on December 3, 1859. At that time, the Jefferson Territory combined Auraria with Denver City and Highland. This new, larger city became known as Denver City. It was the capital of the territory and the main city for Arrappahoe County.
The Jefferson Territory itself was replaced on February 28, 1861. This happened when U.S. President James Buchanan signed a law. This law created the Territory of Colorado.
Challenges and Changes
Auraria faced a big flood on May 19, 1864. Many businesses moved away from the neighborhood after this event. Some people believe Auraria never fully recovered from the flood.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Auraria went through a major change. It was decided that the neighborhood would become a large campus. This campus would be home to three colleges: the University of Colorado Denver, Metropolitan State University, and the Community College of Denver. Demolition of old Auraria buildings began on March 10, 1973. However, a few historic buildings from the old Auraria still stand today.
The name "Auraria" is still used for the neighborhood in Denver. It's located between Cherry Creek and the South Platte River. It's important not to confuse Auraria with the city of Aurora. Aurora is a different city about six miles east of Denver.
Fun Things to Do in Auraria
Popular Attractions
Auraria is home to several interesting places:
- Elitch Gardens: A popular amusement park.
- Auraria Campus: The large college campus.
- Ninth Street Historic Park: A park with historic buildings.
- Emmanuel Shearith Israel Chapel: Denver's oldest church building.
- Tivoli Student Union: A building on campus with shops and food.
- St. Cajetan’s Church: A historic church important to the Hispanic community.
- St. Elizabeth's Church: The only active church on the Auraria campus.
- Auraria Library: The main library for the campus.
- Ball Arena: A large sports and event arena.
Sports and Entertainment
Auraria has Ball Arena. This arena is where the Colorado Avalanche (hockey), Denver Nuggets (basketball), and Colorado Mammoth (lacrosse) play. Many concerts and other big events also happen here.
Learning in Auraria
The Auraria Campus takes up most of the Auraria neighborhood. It is home to three colleges:
- University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver)
- Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver)
- Community College of Denver (CCD)
Some parts of the old neighborhood remain, like the Ninth Street Historic Park on campus. Most students at these schools commute, meaning they travel from home. However, some student housing has been built, like Campus Village Apartments and Auraria Student Lofts.
Media and News
Auraria has two student newspapers. The University of Colorado Denver's newspaper is called the "CU Denver Sentry." Metropolitan State University's newspaper is "Met Media."
Getting Around Auraria
The Regional Transportation District provides public transport in Auraria. There are two light rail stations in the area:
- The Colfax at Auraria station
- The Auraria West station
