How much history can two square miles hold? Look at the southern part of Westminster and you’ll find more than 150 years’ worth: Vibrant stories of Native Americans and settlers looking for a better way of life. Chief Little Raven and his Arapahoe tribe would winter camp just south of Shaw Heights, where there were many artesian springs and open fields of grazing bison. Later pioneers would homestead here, making their dreams come true.
In 1870, the pioneer Pleasant DeSpain did just that—building his house in the town we now call home. In 1911, Westminster incorporated and officially became a city.
Louis Shoenberg founded the Shoenberg Farm to Denver’s National Jewish Hospital after his son died of tuberculosis. The farm supplied the hospital with eggs and milk while the land was used as a trade school to help recovered TB patients learn job skills. Jacob Tepper purchased the farm in 1921, adding restaurants, hotels, schools—and eventually, Fitzsimons Army Hospital.
Learn MoreThe town of Westminster originally got its name from Westminster University, which drew land speculators, students and professors to this new, burgeoning town! The crown jewel of the campus, now called Westminster Castle, joined the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 and today houses Belleview Christian Schools and KPOF, part of the oldest Christian radio network in the nation.
Learn MoreIn 1876, Edward Bowles decided that Westminster, then called Harris, was the perfect place to settle with his wife, Mahala. In 1881 they built their first house – the same year the railroad came to town. The Bowles House, now a museum, is one of the few buildings still standing from the original pre-Westminster downtown area.
Learn MoreBuilt in 1913, Westminster Grange Hall was the town’s social, civic, and agricultural center. In addition to being an early meeting hall for the City Council and a polling place, it was a venue for dances, potluck dinners, and talent contests. In 2003, the Westminster Grange Hall was the first building designated by the city as a historic landmark.
Learn MorePleasant DeSpain was the first settler to permanently call “Westminster” home in 1870. Soon, the small village grew into a lively farming community. To meet the needs of local farmers and ranchers, new shops such as blacksmith, lumber, and general goods emerged. DeSpain Junction operated as a true village when the railroad arrived.
Learn MoreColorado's arid climate was unforgiving to new settlers and farmers who were used to growing crops back East. Many gave up and sold their land to CJ Harris, a real estate developer from Connecticut. Harris divided the farms into smaller tracts of land and sold them to fruit farmers. Today, CJ Harris’ abode - the Harris House - still stands at 7996 Bradburn Boulevard.
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Today in Historic Westminster, residents and newcomers alike are still discovering that good life. And still realizing those dreams. Here, you’ll find the place where families are raised. Friendships are forged. And businesses thrive. It’s all happening in Historic Westminster.
Explore all the places that make our neighborhood special.
From cannoli to hot salami, Valente’s Deli Bakery & Italian has been keeping Historic Westminster well fed since 1953.
Eat MoreNamed after the river in Germany, the Aar River Gallery is Historic Westminster’s premier - and most welcoming - family art gallery.
See MoreEstablished in 2009 and built on relationships, DAO Architecture started as a solo venture has grown to a firm of seven.
Build MoreThe original Penguin Pharmacy is a symbol of pride, optimism and love in Historic Westminster.
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From the old to the new, stop by and see what everyone is talking about. Visit Historic Westminster today and fall in love with a place you’ll be happy to call home.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Keep up with the latest and greatest events and activities going on in Historic Westminster.
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