Places to See	Things to Do
Where to Eat	Where to Shop
Theatre	Recreation
Arbor Day Celebrations - Built Green

DENVER TODAY: Situated on the high plains at the foot of the majestic Rocky Mountains,
Denver is the largest metropolitan area for a 600-mile radius. With a gleaming modern
skyline, a booming economy and more than 300 sunny days a year, Denver is known for its
high quality of life. And with the recent additions of a futuristic international airport, a
brand-spanking new Coors Field baseball stadium, and the historic yet new 58-acre
amusement park, Elitch Gardens, plopped right in the center of downtown, life in Denver just
keeps getting better.

BRIEF HISTORY: Denver started with the discovery of a little gold dust in the South
Platte River in 1858. The small supply never amounted to anything, but exaggerated rumors
of a strike brought men flocking to the area. As rich gold and silver strikes were made in
other towns around Colorado, Denver (so named to gain the favor of James W. Denver,
then territorial governor of Kansas) lost miners but grew a way-station for men on their
way to seek their fortunes.

After the crash of silver in 1893, Denver survived by diversifying its economy, expanding
especially into the cattle industry (thus the moniker "cow town" Denver has worked so hard
to shed). At the same time, Denver sought to clean up its act--closing brothels, laying out wide
streets, adding parks, and planting over 18,000 trees. Over the ensuing decades, Denver maintained
its commitment to modernizing without compromising quality of life. Thus, with wits and luck,
Denver survived the decline of mining and successfully brought itself into the modern era.

POPULATION: 500,000 city; more than 2 million metro area

ALTITUDE: 5,280 ft.

CHAMBERS: Greater Denver Chamber of Commerce (303) 534-8500
Denver Metro Convention and Visitors Center (800)645-3446.