The Evolving Names of Colorado's Historic Towns

From mining camps to modern cities, Colorado's towns have undergone numerous identity changes over the decades.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:40pm

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Colorado's towns have a dynamic history of name changes, often driven by the need to attract settlers, investors, and railroads during the state's early growth. Places like Denver, Colorado Springs, and Grand Junction started with temporary or generic names before settling on their current identities, reflecting the state's transformation from mining camps to established communities.

Why it matters

This story provides insight into how Colorado's towns and cities evolved, shedding light on the state's history of rapid growth, entrepreneurship, and community development. The name changes highlight the pragmatic and promotional factors that shaped the state's urban landscape in its formative years.

The details

Many of Colorado's towns started with temporary or generic names during the 1800s mining rush, when new settlements were popping up overnight. Denver, for example, went by St. Charles, Auraria, and Highland before settling on its current name in 1858. Colorado Springs was first known as Colorado City and Fountain Colony before becoming Colorado Springs in the 1870s. Grand Junction was initially called River City, reflecting its location at the confluence of two rivers.

  • In the 1850s, Denver went through several name changes before settling on its current identity.
  • Colorado Springs tried out the names Colorado City and Fountain Colony before becoming Colorado Springs in the early 1870s.
  • Grand Junction was originally known as River City in its early days.

The players

Denver

The capital city of Colorado, which went through several name changes in the 1850s before settling on its current identity.

Colorado Springs

A major city in Colorado that was previously known as Colorado City and Fountain Colony.

Grand Junction

A city in western Colorado that was originally called River City, reflecting its location at the confluence of two rivers.

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What they’re saying

“A lot of it came down to marketing before marketing was even a thing.”

— Tim Gray, Author

“Some towns renamed themselves to honor politicians or landowners who could bring money or attention. Others wanted something that sounded a little more legit to attract settlers or, more importantly, the railroad.”

— Tim Gray, Author

The takeaway

Colorado's evolving town names reflect the state's dynamic history of rapid growth, entrepreneurship, and community development. As mining camps transformed into established cities, pragmatic and promotional factors shaped the urban landscape, shedding light on the state's formative years.