William Larimer Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Larimer Jr.
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| Born | October 24, 1809 Circleville, Pennsylvania
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| Died | May 16, 1875 (aged 65) |
| Resting place | Allegheny Cemetery, Pittsburgh |
| Occupation | United States commissioner, Kansas state senator |
| Spouse(s) | Rachel McMasters |
| Children | John William Edwin Thomas Aiden Joseph George Annie Larimer Jones Rachel Larimer Mellon |
| Parent(s) | William Larimer Sr., Anne Larimer |
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William Larimer Jr. (born October 24, 1809 – died May 16, 1875) was an important American settler and land developer. He is best known for founding the city of Denver, Colorado, in 1858. He was also a Kansas state senator. People often called him "General Larimer" because he had that title in the Pennsylvania Militia.
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The Story of William Larimer Jr.
William Larimer Jr. was a key figure in the early history of Colorado. He helped shape the American West by creating new towns and helping to form a new territory.
From Pennsylvania to Kansas
Larimer was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. He first became successful in the railroad business in Pittsburgh. In the 1850s, he started buying and selling land in the Kansas Territory. He built a home in Leavenworth where he lived with his wife and nine children.
Founding Denver City
In 1858, Larimer helped start the Denver City Land Company. Their goal was to create a new city in the western part of the Kansas Territory. On November 22, 1858, Larimer arrived at a spot overlooking Cherry Creek and the South Platte River. This location was across Cherry Creek from an existing settlement called Auraria. Auraria was founded by William Greenburry Russell, who helped start the Pikes Peak Gold Rush.
Larimer claimed the land by laying down cottonwood logs to mark a square-mile area. He named the new settlement "Denver City." He chose this name to honor James W. Denver, who was the governor of the Kansas Territory. Larimer hoped that Denver City would become the main town for Arapaho County. In a letter from February 1859, he proudly wrote, "I am Denver City."
Larimer planned the city layout and sold pieces of land to miners and other people moving through the Rocky Mountains. At first, land was often traded for supplies or in gambling games. In 1860, all the owners of Denver City joined with their rivals from Auraria. They formed one city, keeping the name Denver.
Building the Colorado Territory
Larimer played a big part in creating the Colorado Territory in 1861. He also helped make Denver its capital city. He hoped to be named the first governor of the territory. However, Abraham Lincoln chose William Gilpin instead.
After this, Larimer became a United States commissioner. He also served as a judge for the First Judicial District of Colorado. During the American Civil War, he became a colonel in the Third Regiment of Colorado Volunteers. After the war, he moved back to Kansas.
Remembering William Larimer Jr.
William Larimer Jr. served as a Kansas state senator from 1867 to 1870. He then retired to his family farm in Leavenworth, Kansas, where he passed away in 1875.
He is remembered in the city he helped create. Larimer Street and Larimer Square in downtown Denver are named after him. Larimer County, Colorado, in the northern part of the state, also carries his name. There is even a neighborhood called Larimer in Pittsburgh that honors him.
Images for kids
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William Larimer Jr.
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William Larimer Jr.'s signature
