Arvada, Colorado, is celebrated today for its vibrant community and rich cultural heritage, but its historical roots run deep in the story of Colorado’s path to statehood. As one of the earliest settlements in the region, Arvada played a crucial role in the territorial expansion, agricultural development, and economic foundation that helped shape the state of Colorado.
This article explores Arvada’s early history, key figures, and contributions to Colorado’s journey to becoming the 38th state of the United States in 1876.
Early Arvada and Its Founding Significance
Arvada’s origins date back to the 1850s when gold prospectors first arrived in the area. On June 22, 1850, Lewis Ralston, a Georgia prospector en route to California, discovered approximately 1/4 troy ounce (8 grams) of gold in a stream near present-day Arvada. Although this find did not immediately trigger a rush, it foreshadowed the Colorado Gold Rush of 1858, which brought thousands of settlers to the region.
By 1860, more than thirty land claims had been filed in the Ralston/Clear Creek valley by individuals who transitioned from gold prospecting to agriculture, recognizing the region’s fertile land and access to water made it ideal for farming. This shift laid the foundation for Arvada’s importance in supplying food to growing settlements, including Denver and Boulder.
Arvada’s Role in Colorado’s Growth
As Colorado’s population grew, so did the need for infrastructure, governance, and economic stability—all of which played a role in the push for statehood. Arvada’s contributions included:
1. Agricultural Development
Arvada quickly became known as an agricultural hub, producing crops such as wheat, corn, oats, plums, celery, cherries, berries, melons, strawberries, and various vegetables. At one time, Arvada was known as the “Celery Capital of the World.” The area’s irrigation systems, developed in the 1860s, played a significant role in making Colorado’s arid plains viable for farming.
2. Political and Economic Stability
Arvada’s early settlers were among the many Coloradans who advocated for territorial governance and later, statehood. As a stable farming community, Arvada contributed to Colorado’s economic viability, a key factor in gaining statehood in 1876.
3. Infrastructure and Railroads
The expansion of railroads in the 1870s helped connect Arvada to larger cities like Denver. The Colorado Central Railroad, which laid tracks through the area in 1870, played a vital role in facilitating trade and communication, strengthening Arvada’s role in Colorado’s development.
Key Figures in Arvada’s Early History
Several influential figures contributed to Arvada’s growth and its role in Colorado’s statehood:
Benjamin F. Wadsworth and Mary Wadsworth
Considered Arvada’s founding family, they purchased a land claim in 1863 and, in the years that followed, made plans for a school and a post office to be built if a town could be platted and named.
Benjamin developed a plat for a town of nine square blocks on his 160 acres, and his wife Mary Ann named the new town Arvada after her brother-in-law, Hiram Arvada Haskins. The formal notice of the new town, population 100, was posted on December 1, 1870.
Lewis Ralston
The prospector whose 1850 gold discovery marked the beginning of interest in the region.
Arvada’s Influence on Colorado’s Path to Statehood
As the Centennial State, Colorado officially became a state on August 1, 1876. By this time, Arvada had already established itself as an important agricultural and economic contributor, supporting the population growth and stability necessary for statehood.
Additionally, Arvada’s community-oriented values and civic engagement helped shape Colorado’s early governance, with many local leaders advocating for education, infrastructure, and organized town development.
Today, Arvada preserves its historical sites, including Ralston Creek, and continues to celebrate its role in shaping the state. Through its early settlers, agricultural roots, and contributions to territorial governance, Arvada helped pave the way for Colorado’s statehood.
