History

The mining camp, which would eventually become the City of Black Hawk, was established in May of 1859 as part of the Gregory Diggings. The Gregory Diggings was the location of the first lode gold discovery in the Territory of Kansas, which on February 28, 1861, became part of the Territory of Colorado. In June of 1860, William L. Lee, Dr. Frederick H. Judd, and Mylo Lee founded the town of Black Hawk Point. In the Third Session of the Colorado Territorial Legislature, Black Hawk Point was incorporated on March 11, 1864, as the City of Black Hawk, establishing Black Hawk as the second incorporated city in the Territory of Colorado. 

Since its history-making lode gold strike of 1859, Black Hawk has built a legacy of progressive growth and economic opportunity, enduring beyond the boom-bust cycles of gold strikes, coal mining, and stamp mills. With the first gold rush, and again with the passing of the Colorado limited stakes gambling initiative in 1990, Black Hawk has shown a can-do Western attitude that has allowed the City to seize opportunities to drive economic growth, time after time.

Over the past 30-plus years, over $1 billion has been invested in land, casinos, and related development. Today, this picturesque mountain city generates over 85% of Colorado's gaming revenue and contributes over $100 million annually in taxes to the State of Colorado for tourism, historical preservation, and higher education.*

* Figures based on a 5-year average

Black Hawk Historic Highlights:

1859: Prospector John H. Gregory first discovered lode gold in the narrow ravine that was then part of the Kansas Territory. "Gregory Gulch," the area between Black Hawk and Central City, drew thousands of would-be miners to try to find their fortunes.

1864: Black Hawk becomes incorporated as one of Colorado's first cities, after ingenuity and natural resources helped the former "Mountain City" to become the milling center for the gold ore mined throughout the region.

1872: Black Hawk is connected with Denver by railroad to help bring refined gold out of the mountains.

1991: After years of economic decline and deteriorating infrastructure, a ballot measure is passed allowing limited-stakes gaming in Colorado. Two small casinos open in historic Black Hawk structures, launching a revitalization that would allow the City to eventually generate $20,000 in revenue per day.

Revival of a Landmark

View the video below to see the highlights of the City of Black Hawk's restoration of the 1863 Black Hawk Presbyterian Church. This is just one of the many preservation and restoration projects completed by the City of Black Hawk.

The Presbyterian Church structure is currently known as the City of Black Hawk's Annex Building located at 211 Church Street. It houses Community Planning and Development, the Finance Department, and Council Chambers, where meetings are held biweekly.

Watch the City of Black Hawk's restoration of the 1863 Black Hawk Presbyterian Church