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City of Black Hawk celebrates 155th birthday March 11
Picturesque mountain community preserves the past and
prepares for the future
Black Hawk, CO - March 10, 2019
The mountain city of Black Hawk is celebrating its 155th anniversary on Monday, March 11th. It was on that date in 1864 that the gold-mining hotspot was officially incorporated.
Black Hawk had been a flurry 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, helping bring refined gold out of the mountains and helping 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. Over the past 30 years, nearly $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 $100 million annually in taxes to the State of Colorado for tourism, historical preservation, and higher education.
Today, the City of Black Hawk 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.
> >See Black Hawk's 155th Celebration Video
It's time to celebrate the season in Black Hawk with the holiday lighting ceremony
Read Holiday Lighting Ceremony Story
Boom Town 2018
Gregory Street Project:
As Black Hawk preserves the spirit of its past, it continues to prepare for the future with an exciting new vision for a development renaissance, destined to once again make history.
>LEARN MORE ABOUT BLACK HAWK'S VISION
City of Black Hawk Road Closures:
FUTURE CLOSURES
US 6 Full Roadway Closure - CDOT has announced that the Clear Creek Canyon Safety Project has completed early. The 12-mile segment of Clear Creek Canyon between Golden and Highway 119 will be completed today (April 15), two weeks ahead of schedule.
Current Closures:
240 Main Street - April 22, 2019. Lane closure (left lane) from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, for maintenance and repairs.
Ongoing - Selak & Gregory Streets
During this phase of the City's Gregory Street realignment project, road and lane closures are expected to continue. Please be aware of the possible delays along lower Gregory Street when making travel plans. When possible, one or both lanes will remain open and traffic will continue to be moved as per the direction of flaggers.
Selak Street construction is mostly complete, allowing westbound traffic to access City Hall parking and make business deliveries, though Selak Street may also experience intermittent closures. Z Casino parking will be open and accessible from Selak Street.
Ongoing — Lower Main Street
Throughout the year, intermittent lane closures will occur on Lower Main Street in front of the Monarch Casino. Alternating traffic patterns and possible closures will take place during construction, however, access to both the Monarch and Isle parking garages will remain open. Update - May 17, 2018, thru April 22, 2019, right of way closures - 7:00 am to 1:00 pm.
For additional details, please click here for a map.
About Black Hawk
PRESERVING THE PAST. PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE.
As Black Hawk celebrates its 150th anniversary, learn about how its history is helping shape the future.
- History
- Mayor & City Council
- Community Support
- News Releases
- Black Hawk's Future
- Black Hawk Lantern Newsletter
- Resident Information
- Request for Proposal
City Departments
FIND WHAT YOU NEED
Everything you need to know about City departments and services.
- Administrative Services
- City Manager
- Finance Department
- Fire Department
- Municipal Court
- Community Planning & Development
- Police Department
- Public Works
- Water Department
Visit Black Hawk
DISCOVER GAMING. HISTORY. AND MUCH MORE.
Join in the history-making fun and spirit of adventure.
- Eat. Play. Stay.
- Events
- Directions
- Shuttle Service
- Photo Gallery
- Bicycling
- Walking Tour
- Black Hawk Weather
- Rediscover Black Hawk