Denver

Denver is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Colorado. Denver is located in the South Platte River Valley on the western edge of the High Plains just east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. With an estimated population of 727,211 in 2019, Denver is the 19th-most populous city in the United States, the fifth-most populous state capital, and the most populous city located in the Mountain states.

History

Denver was founded in November 1858 as a gold mining town. The gold quickly dried up and the city moved to become a supply hub for new mines in the mountains. Denver grew rapidly, becoming the new county seat of Arapahoe County and eventually the state capital. Investors from Denver built a rail line from Cheyenne to western Kansas which traveled through Denver, bringing new people and supplies. New roads and improvements to rail and air travel in the early twentieth century made Denver a hub for transportation.

Geography

Denver is located at the junction of the South Platte River and Cherry Creek. The city is located in the center of the Front Range Urban Corridor, between the Rocky Mountains to the west and the High Plains to the east. Denver's topography consists of plains in the city center with hilly areas to the north, west and south.

Climate

Denver has a semi-arid, four-season climate with mild winters and hot summers. The city receives over 300 days of sunshine each year, which is more than San Diego and Miami Beach.

Economy

Denver's economy is based partially on its geographic position and its connection to some of the country's major transportation systems. Because Denver is the largest city within 500 miles (800 km), it has become a natural location for storage and distribution of goods and services to the Mountain States.

Education

Denver is home to many nationally recognized museums, including a new wing for the Denver Art Museum by world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, the second largest Performing Arts Center in the nation after Lincoln Center in New York City and bustling neighborhoods such as LoDo, filled with art galleries, restaurants, bars and clubs.

Healthcare

Denver is home to several large hospitals that are part of national healthcare networks, including the University of Colorado Health system, HealthONE, and Centura Health.

Sports

Denver is home to four major sports teams: the Denver Broncos of the National Football League, the Colorado Rockies of Major League Baseball, the Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball Association, and the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League.

See also

• Colorado
• Rocky Mountains
• Arapahoe County

Denver Resources
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