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Commerce City Timeline
COMMERCE CITY, COLORADO TIMELINE
1850
First settlers came into the area. Danish, Swedish, Irish, Jewish and German immigrants build, dairy and produce farms.
1862
Homestead Act adopted. The first homesteaders establish 160-acre
Pacific Railroad Act signed
1871
Plots on land east of Derby, later claimed by the U.S. Army.
1867
Danish settlers settled along Sand Creek and began Hog farming 1900s.
1869
Trans Continental Railroad crosses 72nd and Hiway 2.
1871
Adams County School District 14 began as a one room school house
1876
Colorado obtains Statehood
Riverside Cemetery was founded
The Colorado Legislature created the office of “Fish Commissioner”
1881
Construction began in November on a new state fish hatchery near Dupont
Closed in 1963 and in 1973 The Division of Wildlife remodeled the The fish hatchery to become a Hunter Safety Rifle Range. Current day location is located at 88th and I-76, Built by Wilson E. Sistynear. In 2013 there was a flood and the building was Demolished in early 2014.
The Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad (QBC) completes rail Construction along the South Platte River from Cheyenne.
1885
The Burlington Ditch Reservoir was established.
1887
Derby recorded as a Burlington Northern Railroad Station. (72nd)
1889
Towns of Derby and Irondale were established. The Lincoln Land Co. and George McCullough file a plat.
1892
Rose Hill Cemetery was established, 62nd Oneida.
1900
Germans, Scandinavians, Italians, and Russians immigrated to the Area.
1902
School District 14 is officially organized
Arapahoe County voters passed an amendment that approved the city And county of Denver. Six months later the residents of Adams County Voted to de annex the eastern end of the county.
Adams County established
Adams City was established by the Adams Land and Improvement Co.
1904
Election between Brighton and Adams City for the permanent County Seat. Brighton won 1,103 votes to Adams City 719.
1906
First District 14 grammar school is built.
1907
Hog Farming started along the Sand Creek area
1908
Union High School Number One of Adams County was formed.
1909
Antero Reservoir is complete.
1910
First graduating class of Union High School. Two graduates (Marian Andrew, Edward Cook).
First Post Office established in the Derby area. Mrs. C.J. Irwin Postmaster.
Plats for Derby Gardens were recorded and selling.
1912
The first store opened in Derby owned by Tipton and Pearl Brewer
1913
The first lumber yard was built by J.H. Peterson, and in 1920 became Derby Lumber. In 1972 Younger Brothers Lumber and Hardware bought The business. East 72nd Place
Derby School Built.
1914
Derby Population – 100.
1915
I.X.L. Dairy started by Axel and Lillie Johnson. Closed in 1954. In 1955 A son, Robert Johnson started 56th Avenue Alignment until 1989. Land Sold to Old Dominion Trucking company by Bruce Johnson in 2015. All Building demolished in early 2016.
Rose Hill Grange number 256 established.
1918
Black’s Garage established by Denver Black Sr.
1924
The Town of Irondale was incorporated and unincorporated in the 30s.
1925
Derby Lumber established 6350 East 72nd Place. The Younger brothers Purchased it in 1972 and named it Younger Brothers Lumber and Construction.
Derby population - 200
1925
The first telephone company established in Adams County located in a Home close to Hazeltine school.
1926
Dupont Post Office established.
1929
Maddox Gas and Oil was established at 5591 E. 72nd Avenue
1930
The Continental Oil Refinery was built. Acquired by Suncor in 2003. Gas stations come to town
1936
Grain elevators were built by Oscar Mallow.
1938
Hungarian Flour Company was established.
The skating rink was built in Derby.
1939
The Denver Pet Cemetery established and moved to Commerce City from Around 38th and Walnut Street, In 1942, located at 72nd and Ivy.
1941
World War II
1942
U.S. Government establishes the Rocky Mountain Arsenal east of Quebec Street for the Chemical Headquarters for the U.S. Army removing about 200 families from the land east of Derby
Adams County Volunteer Fire Department was formed
Big Ed’s Tavern moved from the Arsenal land to 6141 Olive Street. Currently called the hideaway Bar.
1945
C & C Creamery is formed.
1946
First Bakery – Elmer and Jean Hemus
School District 14 formed by consolidating area school districts and Union High School becomes Adams City High School.
1947
The Hazeltine Phone Exchange switched to the dial system located at 72nd and Brighton Road.
1948
The first football field at the high school was dedicated to Ed Krogh in October
Highway 6 & 85 was built
1949
The first graduating class from Adams City High School.
Mile High Kennel Club opened.
1950
First Hardware store – Jack Williams and Eli Koff
Orrel Daniels First Lawyer for the City
First Bank established – Metropolitan State Bank.
Adams City Service and Café’ established by Jake and Jenny Riggi. The Adams Heights subdivision is building and new homes Purchased. Land owned by Mr. Jake Riggi and Dominick Saurini.
1951
South Adams County Water and Sanitation District was formed and by 1953the first wells were dug.
1952
South Adams County Kiwanis Club was organized
Commerce Town was incorporated Dec 12 due to Denver wanting to annex the Southern part of the City into Denver. This included Rose Hill and South Adams City.
South Adams County Fire Protection District #4 was formed
Alfred Krogh was elected first Mayor. Mr. Krogh died June 19, 1989.
Television comes to Colorado, with Channel 2 as the first station.
Commerce Town Police Department was formed. First Police Chief Ed Marzano. Before 1952 the law enforcement was under the jurisdiction of Adams County Sherriff.
1953
Natural gas to Derby
Dial phones installed – Hazeltine Exchange discontinued
Busley’s Food market opens in Derby, Red Owl in the early 60’s and Hilo In 1965.
Administration building for South Adams Water and Sanitation is built and three wells and pump stations built.
1956
Sewer system and sewage treatment plant approved by voters March 13 And operational by 1957.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal Highway Act. Rainbow Bread started building and was operational by spring of 1957.
1957
Rainbow Bread Company opens in spring
1958
Rainbow Break discount store was open.
1960
Mitchell and Sons Campers moves from Henderson to C.C. (64th Avenue). Other businesses are starting to come. Dry Cleaners, Car Lots, Print Shops, tire and auto parts stores .
1961
First part of Derby annexed
The Krogh Field House was dedicated to Al Krogh in 1961.
Commerce City Rotary Club chartered.
1962
All of Derby annexed, Commerce Town changed to Commerce City due To the increasing population from 4000 to 16,000, including Adams City, Rose Hill, Dupont, Irondale and Derby.
1963
New Commerce City Post Office opens at 7351 Magnolia. Postmaster Floyd Templeton. Mayor Al Krogh.
1964
First Commerce City Memorial Day parade.
1965
Major flood hits Denver and surrounding areas including Commerce City
1966
I-70 opens as the major east-west route through Denver.
1967
First park to be built (Gifford Park – 6120 Monaco Street).
2nd City Hall opened with a Library at 5291 East 60th Avenue.
1969
City Council approved master street grade and drainage plan
1970
Home Rule Charter was approved by voters May 5
I-270 opens in 1970. The new interstate links 1-70 with I-25 and U.S. 36 In northeast Denver and Commerce City.
1972
First Founder’s Day, July 8.
Derby Lumber purchased by Younger Brothers and became Younger Brothers Lumber and Hardware.
1976
Commerce City Merchant’s Association is formed, now known as Commerce City Business and Professional Association.
1979
McDonalds opens. First fast food chain to build in C.C.
1987
The Recreation Center opens.
1988
Commerce City Beacon opens. Closed March of 2009.
The Adams County voters approved to allow Denver to annex lands from unincorporated Adams County to build Denver International Airport.
The City of Denver paid 6.5 million dollars to Adams County for 7 53 acres for the location of the Denver International Airport.
The construction begins on the tollway, E-470, which today bypasses I-25.
1992
Congress passes the Rocky Mountain Arsenal (RMA) National Wildlife Refuge Act, designating 27 square miles as a future refuge.
1995
Denver International Airport opened. February 28 was the last day at Stapleton International Airport located at 32 nd and Quebec Street. March 1 st was the first day at Denver International Airport.
1995
URA ( Urban Renewal Authority established)
Denver International Airport opens, moved from Stapleton International Airport.
1996
Buffalo Run Golf Course opened August 9.
1997
New City Maintenance Facility was built at 8602 Rosemary Street, which Moved from 60th and highway 85 (next to Wendy’s.
1998
GID (General Improvement District Established).
Water and Sewer resolved for Northern developments. Larry Ford, Bob Gehler, and United Power representing the entities.
1998
Community Enterprise Founded
1999
Larry Ford with South Adams County Water and Sanitation District And Bob Gehler, City Attorney, negotiated agreements with water and sewer for the development in the north areas
C.C. residents voted on April 6 on an initiative not to restrict growth in The northern areas.
Eagle Creek subdivision is the first northern subdivision built. (96th and Highway 2, followed by River Run.
2000
Two year planning session begins (City, Shea Homes and Fulenwider) a 3000 acre master plan for the north.
2002
Belle Creek and Reunion subdivisions are built.
2003
Fronterra subdivision built.
Final segment of E470 opens in the Northern Range of C.C.
First Shea homes for sale
2004
Pioneer Park opens.
917 acres purchased from the Arsenal on July 22 for 4.7 million dollars.
2005
The Prairie Gateway was formed March 25, 2005. Later changed to Victory Crossing.
2006
Parade of Homes
Quebec Parkway opens Dec 2006
2007
3 rd City Hall Complex (The Civic Center and Dick’s Soccer Stadium opens, called the Prairie Gateway complex. April 7, 2007-Soccer Stadium. Open house for Civic Center March 31.
Bison reintroduced to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
The City overwhelmingly voted to retain their city’s name in the City Election on April 3.
2008
Mile High Kennel Club (Wembley Stadium) closes. Last race in July 2008
2009
The new Adams City High School opens in the fall at 72nd and Quebec.
Commerce City Historical Society Founded.
Prairie Gateway name changes to Victory Crossing.
October 15, Final deletion of land from the arsenal to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife.
November 9, dedication for the new renovated Veteran’s Memorial.
CCHS developed.
2010
Groundbreaking for the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Refuge Visitor Center.
October 15, 2010-Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge expansion from the US Army to the US Fish & Wildlife Service (15,000 acres). Prairie Gateway name changed to Victory Crossing
2011
August 2 – Commerce City purchases the Mile High Kennel Club through the Urban Renewal Authority.
Suncor pledged one million dollars for a Boys and Girls Club. The City donated 2 acres of Land at 62nd and Holly Street.
August 30 – ground breaking for King Soopers at 104th and Chambers.
May 26, Opening of the new Visitor Center for the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.
2012
Fracking started in Adams County East of Reunion.
South Adams Water and Sanitation District breaks ground for a new Administration building at the current location, at 6595 East 70th Avenue.
King Soopers Mega store opens June 29 at 104th and Chambers
Mile High Kennel Club buildings demolition started November 10
South Adams County Water and Sanitation District builds new office Building directly behind the old building. The last board meeting in the old building is held Wed October 10, 2012. The first meeting is held in the new building on Wed November 14, 2012. (6595 East 70th Avenue)
SACWSD (water department) building starts demolition of old office Building on Tuesday November 20, 2012.
2013
January 24 Building dedication of Stevenson Administrative Office Building (SACWSD)
El Jardin Restaurant opens Benitos Cantina – January
February 1 last part of the Mile High Kennel Club demolished.
City approves to begin development of the Commerce City History Master Plan with the Planning Department and the Commerce City Historical Society
Adams City High School Demolished June – October 2014
Voters passed 1% Sales Tax (5 projects 5 years) 2K
- New Recreation Center 112th & Chambers
- 3 new parks (Fronterra, Turnberry, Villages at Buffalo Run East)
- Leisure Pool at Pioneer Park
- Tower Road Access Ramp
- Current Recreation Center enhancements
Fire Department passed a bond issues. First Paid Fire Fighters
Community Enterprise merged with Live-well Colorado names changed to
Cultivando On August 10, 2016
2014
Groundbreaking for Boys and Girls Club, Pioneer Outdoor Pool and Fronterra Park
Denver Union Station Gala RTD Bus Concourse May 9, 2014
2015
April 8, 2015 – Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center Is named after Pat Schroeder.
Adams County, Commerce City and Denver sign an agreement for Economic Development around DIA.
Outdoor pool opens (July 9,10, 2015)
Boys and Girls Club opens - August 26, 2015
Fronterra park is completed and opens - August 25, 2015
Election 2015 – November
1A for DIA – revenue sharing passed
2016
Turnberry Park opens.
Villages at Buffalo Run East park opens, Sept. 22, 2016
CC Chamber of Commerce established August 2016
Ground breaking for Hi way 2 widening project-October 26, 2016
The Commerce City Police Department did a Department of Justice Review of the department.
2017
Train to the Plain A-line opens-April 21. Trains start April 22
Tower Road completion – December 5, 2017
Tower Road Pena Ramp Groundbreaking Dec 18, 2017
2018
Irondale Neighborhood Plan Development started
Name change for recreation Centers (Bison Ridge, Eagle Pointe)
New Northern area recreation center complete – Bison Ridge Recreation Center. May 2018
Highway 2 is widened from 2 lanes to 4 lanes from 72nd Avenue to 120th Avenue. May 2018
Landing Place Church groundbreaking July 2018 Chamber
Reunion Coffee House opens – September 2018
Complete on-ramp from Tower road to Pena Blvd.
December 31 – Eagle Pointe Recreation Center opens after remodel.
2019
April – North Metro Rail Line construction is complete.
South Adams County Fire Department entered negotiations to Merge with Adams County Fire Department. The negotiations called off in September.
November 2019 New Mayor elected - Ben Huseman and 4 new City Council positions.
2020
Park renovations begin at Veteran’s Memorial Park-January
Coronavirus hits the world March 12, 2020
Veteran’s Memorial Park is completed and opened August 22, 2020
The Light Rail N line opens September 21, 2020
The Mile High Greyhound Park groundbreaking and redevelopment starts October 6, 2020. The site is renamed “Greyhound Park”.
2021
Tower Road home to many very large warehouse buildings such as
Amazon, Lowes Distributing, Nexus DIA, Ascent, Scout Gold Logistics
and more.
New Alsup Elementary School and Stead School, L.C.
Fulenwider campus opens Fall 2021.
2022
Commerce City 70th Anniversary
Contact Details
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CCHS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so your gift to Commerce City Historical Society’s mission and community programs is tax-deductible. EIN: 27-1142241