April 3, 2014 - Black Hawk celebrates its 150th anniversary. City is second-oldest incorporated municipality in Colorado...read more

The City of Black Hawk, Colorado’s second-oldest incorporated municipality, will celebrate its 150th anniversary with a day of festivities on April 12.

Black Hawk will celebrate its sesquicentennial anniversary on the same day Mayor John Kinney issued a proclamation declaring that Black Hawk had been incorporated as a city by the Colorado Territorial legislature in 1864.

“At the time, this was no minor accomplishment for the Black Hawk citizens,” said Black Hawk Mayor David Spellman, a deep-rooted fifth-generation resident. “1864 marked only the third session of the Colorado Territorial legislature. In 1861, Denver, Pueblo and Canon City attempted to incorporate with only Denver succeeding. We are extremely proud to have the distinction of being the second-oldest incorporated municipal government in Colorado and equally proud that the indomitable spirit of the individuals who founded and built Black Hawk lives on today in this great City as we continue to make history.”

Black Hawk was founded in 1859 as a gold rush mining camp after John H. Gregory of Georgia made the first lode gold discovery in the gulch that now bears his name. Gregory’s discovery breathed new life into the Pikes Peak Gold Rush, which ultimately led to the permanent development of the State of Colorado.

Black Hawk’s newly formed city government played a significant role in the development of Colorado from the territorial years through statehood. The City’s residents overwhelmingly voted to support Colorado’s admission to the Union as the 38th state on Aug. 1, 1876.

Today, Black Hawk continues to make history as the premier gaming and hospitality destination in Colorado. According to Mayor Spellman, “Through gaming, Black Hawk is experiencing our second gold rush and a renaissance of the City.”

The celebration of the City’s history begins at 11 a.m. in the Council Chambers at 211 Church Street. The Gilpin History Society will present a historical skit reenacting agenda items from early City Council meetings, followed by a tour of the newly renovated Historic Preservation Church, which was built in 1863 and now serves as Black Hawk’s Council Chambers and City offices.

A reception with lunch catered by the Lodge Casino and Mountain Mocha will begin at 12:30 p.m. at Crook’s Palace, 200 Gregory Street. Colonel Selak’s Premium Black Hawk Ale, specially crafted by Dostal Alley for this celebration, and wine from the Infinite Monkey Theorem will be served.

Parking will be provided at Crook’s Palace, 200 Gregory Street. Overflow lots also will be available. A shuttle bus will circulate the parking areas to provide transportation to the Council Chambers, then to Crook’s Palace for the reception.