Black Hawk is located 37 miles west of Denver. It was founded in 1859 after gold was discovered in the nearby hills. It was home to the first smelter in Colorado. So many more were added, the town become known as the “City of Mills.” A severe downturn in production occurred as the mines played out. All that changed in 1991 when gambling was legalized. Much of the daily $20,000 revenue went to historical preservation. The 18 casinos are open 24/7 and welcome, on average, 20,000 visitors per day. Oddly, the 2020 census recorded only 127 permanent residents!
This photo shows Black Hawk in 1863. Notice in the second photo the school building erected in 1870. It is now the town’s police department.
This photo is dated 1867.
This photo shows the Bobtail Mine Tramway ca.1900.
This photo shows the town also in 1864, but from the opposite direction.
