Highlandlake, Colorado facts for kids

Highlandlake is a very small community in western Weld County, Colorado, in the U.S. It's an unincorporated community, which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Highlandlake was started in 1871 by a person named Lorin Cassandre Mead. He built it near a natural pond or small lake, about eight miles northeast of Longmont, Colorado. This pond was once a "prairie pothole" or "buffalo wallow," a natural dip in the land where water collects.

History of Highlandlake

Highlandlake was founded in 1871 by Lorin C. Mead. He arrived in Colorado on June 1, 1871. He first came to an area that later became known as Longmont.

Finding the Land

Lorin Mead wanted to buy land in the Greeley area of Weld County. He traveled by stagecoach to Greeley. However, he found that the best land there was already taken.

He then returned by stagecoach to Longmont. On his way back, the stagecoach passed a natural pond. He saw an antelope standing near the water's edge. Lorin really liked this spot.

Naming the Lake and Town

When he got back to Longmont, Lorin Mead claimed the land around the pond. He named the pond "Highland Lake." This lake is now owned by the nearby town of Mead.

The community that grew up around the lake was named Highlandlake. Lorin Mead named it after a lake in a famous poem. The poem was "The Lady of the Lake" by Sir Walter Scott.

The Railroad's Impact

In 1906, a new railroad line was built. Many people hoped the railroad would come through Highlandlake. However, the railroad ended up bypassing the town.

Because of this, Highlandlake began to shrink. Over the next few years, most of the businesses and homes in Highlandlake were moved. They were picked up and relocated to a new townsite. This new town was named Mead, Colorado.

Highlandlake Today

Today, Highlandlake remains a small, unincorporated community. It is still located in Weld County, Colorado.