City of Black Hawk celebrates its 156th birthday!
The City has been preserving the past, preparing for the future, still making history since March 11th, 1864
The mountain City of Black Hawk is celebrating its 156th anniversary on Wednesday, March 11th. It was on that date in 1864 that the gold-mining hotspot was officially incorporated.
Black Hawk had been a center of activity for five years before becoming an official city following a history-making lode gold strike in 1859. That’s when prospector John H. Gregory first discovered lode gold in the narrow ravine that was then part of the Kansas Territory. "Gregory Gulch" in the northwest part of the city drew thousands of would-be miners to find their fortunes.
Black Hawk was connected by railroad with Denver in 1872, bringing refined gold out of the mountains helping to fund Denver’s growth. Black Hawk’s population peaked in 1880 with about 1,500 residents.
Colorado voters kicked off a new gold rush in 1990 when they voted to allow limited stakes gambling. In 2019, Colorado voters approved the sports gaming bill, allowing legal sports betting to take place in Colorado for the first time, with sports betting taxes helping to fund a much-needed statewide water management plan. Over the past 30 years, nearly $1 billion has been invested in land, casinos, and related development.
Over the past 30 years, Black Hawk has helped preserve many of its historic structures and the City is currently redeveloping portions of Gregory Street to include the renovation of several historic buildings. The City is also repurposing an old railroad bed on Maryland Mountain as part of its effort to create a unique experience for visitors who want to hike and bike. These gorgeous new hiking and mountain biking trails will open later this year.
Today, Black Hawk is the premiere gaming venue in Colorado. This picturesque mountain city generates over 85% of Colorado’s gaming revenue and contributes $100 million annually in taxes to the State of Colorado for tourism, historical preservation, and higher education.
The City of Black is a quick getaway from Denver, an indoor and outdoor playground where you can enjoy red-hot gaming action, fine dining, and a day in the pristine Colorado mountains.