By Michael Hughes October 2, 2010
The first inhabitants in Boulder did something new and different. First populated by Miners who came to the area when gold was first discovered in the canyons nearby. The beginning of the green movement was 1859 when a group of Insightful settlers organized the Boulder City Town Company. Even back then, the town grew slowly, because lots were expensive and mercantile type companies were limited to selling to the mines and miners. Boulder homes still continue to be expensive and most homes are near green space, open space or paths. Railroads came and with that the population tripled by the 1880’s. Boulder as a community began preserving land as early as 1898 with the purchase of the area now known as Chautauqua Park. By the end of the 19th century, Boulder had established itself as a center for health, recreation, and culture. In 1896, the Seventh Day Adventists built a sanitarium for tubercular patients on Mapleton Hill. In 1898, the Colorado Chautauqua opened on a 26-acre site donated by the city of Boulder at the base of the foothills. It is one of only 4 Chautauqua’s that have survived over the years. In 1908, Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. (yes his father was Frederick Law Olmsted Sr. who designed and created Central Park in NYC) was commissioned to advise the city on improvement to its physical surroundings. Olmstead envisioned a high-quality environment, with residential areas kept isolated from industry, in order to maintain clean air where people lived. Olmsted’s report served as a guide for growth in the coming years. Boulder has been on the cutting edge of the green movement for quite some time. In 1910 there was a threat of an amusement park on the summit of Flagstaff Mountain and accessed by an incline railway that rallied concerned citizens to speak out. This led to long range plans to protect the foothills and the mountain backdrop. In the future Boulder citizens decided to prevent further development by acquiring land before it could be developed. Collectively protecting the land and the ecological integrity of the area. Boulder Real Estate continues to be the best investment in the states. The early settlers took their cue from the Chief of the Arapahoes. Realizing that clear blue skys, pure water and land preservation be respected. Smart growth, healthy living, smart children, it’s a wonderful life in Boulder, Colorado. Boulder continues to buy green open space and buffers the housing with extraordinary green areas and space unknown to other cities in the U.S. We are proud to call this our home Boulder, Colorado.
If you have questions about this article or anything Boulder give me a call anytime. Michael Hughes-Fuller Sothebys International Realty=303-359-6627 or you can visit my website at www.BolderRealEstate.com
