Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
AROUND DENVER
TOP OF CHAPTER
Golden
POP 19,000
Snuggled beneath the foothills, Table Mountain and the ugly-as-hell Coors Brewery, the
town of Golden has a small historic district, a few interesting museums and the highly re-
garded Colorado School of Mines. Some may find Golden an interesting day trip, but it
probably doesn't warrant an overnight stay, particularly since accommodations are fairly
expensive.
History
Golden was founded in 1859 at the mouth of Clear Creek Canyon after prospectors dis-
covered gold in the stream that flows through town. Golden served as the Colorado Territ-
orial capital from 1862 to 1867 - apparently Denver bested Golden (then Golden City) by a
single vote, one which history wags claim was rigged by then-territorial governor John
Evans. You can win plenty of bar bets with visitors who assume Golden is named for the
glinting yellow mineral found in them thar hills - the truth is, the seat of Jefferson County
was named for Thomas L Golden, who camped near the creek in 1858.
Sights
'First Friday' events bring a pleasant street carnival with wine and local gallery openings
on (you guessed it!) the first Friday of every month. The First Friday hubbub takes place
along Washington St, with the epicenter at 12th St.
Coors Brewery
(MillerCoors; 800-642-6116;
www.millercoors.com
; cnr 13th & Ford Sts; 10am-4pm Mon-Sat, from noon Sun;
)
Coors Brewery is now officially called MillerCoors, but try telling the locals
that. There's been brewing on this site since 1873. Coors survived the prohibition years by
producing malted milk and porcelain products, and went on to produce the world's first
beer shipped in aluminum cans.
BREWERY
