West Pleasant View, Colorado facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
West Pleasant View, Colorado
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South Golden Road in West Pleasant View.
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Location of the West Pleasant View CDP in Jefferson County, Colorado.
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 West Pleasant View, Colorado
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Colorado |
| County | Jefferson County |
| Government | |
| • Type | unincorporated community |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.543 sq mi (3.996 km2) |
| • Land | 1.543 sq mi (3.996 km2) |
| • Water | 0 sq mi (0.000 km2) |
| Elevation | 5,823 ft (1,775 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 4,327 |
| • Density | 2,804.5/sq mi (1,082.83/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (MST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-6 (MDT) |
| ZIP Code |
Golden 80401
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| Area codes | 303 & 720 |
| GNIS feature | West Pleasant View CDP |
West Pleasant View is a small community in Jefferson County, Colorado, United States. It's called an "unincorporated community" because it doesn't have its own city government. Instead, it's looked after by Jefferson County. It's also a "census-designated place" (CDP), which means the U.S. Census Bureau counts it as a specific area for population statistics.
West Pleasant View is part of the larger Denver–Aurora–Lakewood, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area. This is a big area that includes Denver and many nearby cities and towns. In 2020, about 4,327 people lived in West Pleasant View. The local services, like fire protection, are provided by the Pleasant View Metropolitan District. The mail for the area goes through the Golden post office.
Contents
The History of West Pleasant View
Early Days and the Gold Rush
West Pleasant View started around 1860, during the Colorado Gold Rush. A man named George Pullman and his friends set up the Cold Spring Ranch. This ranch covered most of the land that is now West Pleasant View.
Pullman built a log Stage station at a busy crossroads. This station was a key stop for travelers and gold miners. It was used by companies like Wells Fargo for their stagecoaches. George Pullman later became famous for his railway sleeping cars.
Growing with Railroads and Homes
In 1891, a railroad called the Denver, Lakewood and Golden Railroad began serving the area. This made it easier for people to travel and encouraged new homes to be built. In 1904, the railroad changed its name to the Denver and Intermountain Railroad.
In 1908, the Pleasant View Development and Investment Company started building homes. Cecelia Prentiss built the very first house in Pleasant View. Later, in 1931, the Pleasant View Community Church was built, thanks to a local pioneer named Susan Hubbard Martin.
New Roads and Services
In 1937, West Colfax Avenue was built through Pleasant View. This was a big project that helped connect the community. Many businesses grew along South Golden Road and Colfax Avenue, serving travelers going to and from the mountains.
In 1948, the Pleasant View Metropolitan District was created. This group helps provide important services like fire protection and parks. The Pleasant View Fire Department was part of this. In 1951, Pleasant View Elementary School was built, helping local children get an education.
Historic Places in West Pleasant View
West Pleasant View has many historic buildings and sites. Some of these are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
One important place is the Camp George West Historic District. This area started as a rifle range in 1903 for the Colorado National Guard.
Other notable historic spots include the Romano Residence and the Golden Market on South Golden Road. The Golden Market was once a grocery store run by the Romano family.
Rock Rest, built in 1921, was a famous dance hall and tavern. It was a popular spot where many musicians played, including the well-known African-American violinist George Morrison.
The original chapel of the Pleasant View Community Church, built in 1931, is still standing. Pleasant View Elementary School, built in 1951, is now home to the Free Horizon Montessori School.
You can also find one of the oldest auto lodging courts in the area. It started in 1925 when Golden's first building, a log store, was moved there to become a restaurant. The small building that was once a gas station is still there, making it the oldest standalone gas station building in the area.
Many buildings in Pleasant View are made of native stone. These unique designs were popular from the 1910s to the 1960s.
Businesses Still Operating Today
Some businesses and places in West Pleasant View have been around for a long time and are still open. These include:
- The Columbine Cafe, built in 1933.
- Rock Rest, the historic dance hall.
- Calvary Baptist Church, built in 1955.
- Eggers Lapidary, a gem and stone cutting business started in 1972.
- Stevinson Chevrolet, a car dealership that started in Golden in 1935.
- Ace Liquor, established in 1946.
- Mountain View Motel, built in 1966.
- The Sinclair Service Station, built in 1967, which is the oldest gas station still running in the area.
Geography and Location
West Pleasant View is located in a central spot. To its west is the city of Golden. To the east, you'll find Lakewood. To the north, it borders an unincorporated area called Applewood.
Major highways like Interstate 70, U.S. Route 6, and U.S. Route 40 (also known as West Colfax Avenue) all pass through the community. Downtown Denver is about 10 miles (16 km) to the east.
The West Pleasant View CDP covers an area of about 3.996 square kilometers (1.543 square miles). All of this area is land.
Population Information
The United States Census Bureau collects information about the population of places like West Pleasant View. This helps us understand how many people live there and how the population changes over time.
| West Pleasant View CDP, Colorado | ||
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| Year | Pop. | ±% |
| 2000 | 3,932 | — |
| 2010 | 3,840 | −2.3% |
| 2020 | 4,327 | +12.7% |
| Source: United States Census Bureau | ||
Schools in West Pleasant View
West Pleasant View is part of the Jefferson County Public Schools district, which is the second-largest school district in Colorado. The district's main office was once located within what was defined as the West Pleasant View CDP in 2000.
Children living in West Pleasant View attend the following schools:
- Elementary schools: Shelton and Welchester
- Middle school: Bell
- High school: Golden High School
See also
In Spanish: West Pleasant View para niños
