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Colorado History

11 Historic Photos That Show Us What It Was Like Living In Colorado In The Early 1900s

By Annie | Published August 02, 2021

We talk a lot about Centennial State history here on Only in Colorado, but have you ever wondered what these “olden times” actually look like? Fortunately, we were able to dig up 11 photos of Colorado in the early 1900s, courtesy of our friends at History Colorado. Let’s check them out:

1. These days, it is a novelty to see people travel on horseback, but we are only a few generations removed from when this was the norm, as evidence by this shot of a man near Central City (c. 1900).

2. What's your favorite part of Elitches? The rides? Food? Shows? Believe it or not, this is what Colorado's favorite amusement park looked like in the early 1900s! (Yes, that is a hot air balloon that they are launching.)

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3. Welcome to Denver's Union Station (c. 1900)!

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4. My school looked nothing like this... how about you? Pictured is the interior of the Stanley School, 1905.

5. They don't make parks (or postcards) like they used to. Pictured is Mineral Palace Park in Pueblo, 1907.

6. Parks may look significantly different, but the Broadmoor hasn't changed at all, as this shot was also taken in 1907.

7. Obviously not a place, but a cool photo regardless. (An old membership card from the Colorado Masons, 1908.)

8. The railroad was once an important and extremely lucrative industry for Coloradans, so it was not uncommon to see the construction of more tracks! Shown here is "Men with shovels standing by RR tracks," 1909.

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9. Another construction shot, only this time, it is a water pipe public works project from 1909.

10. Families in the unincorporated Las Animas County community of Thatcher, 1910.

11. Last but certainly least is this shot of the old Star Grocery Store that was once located along 20th Street in Denver, 1910.

To discover even more fascinating Centennial State history, check out these 12 Things You Didn’t Know About The History Of Colorado.

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