The Hot Spot Neighborhood Spotlight - Olde Town Littleton
A History of Gold, Water and an Infamous Inhabitant
The beginnings of Littleton as a community can be traced to the "Pikes Peak" gold rush of 1859. Along with the gold-seekers came merchants and farmers to provide the necessities of life. As the fledgling metropolis of Denver City began to grow, the need arose to construct a series of ditches to carry water to farms and businesses without ready access to rivers and creeks in this arid land. Among the engineers hired to lay out this system was young Richard Sullivan Little of New Hampshire.
Surveying in an area several miles south of Denver, Little fell in love with the site of present-day Littleton. Upon filing a home stake and other land claims, Richard brought his wife Angeline from the East in 1862, the dry climate all but curing her asthmatic condition, and began to farm. The Littles joined with several neighbors to build the Rough and Ready Flour Mill in 1867, providing a solid economic base in the community for years to come.
In 1872, the Littles filed a plat to subdivide much of their property into the village of Littleton. When the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad reached the area in 1871, settlement began at a rapid pace. By the time of Colorado's statehood in 1876, there were schools, churches, a hotel, stores and many of the other trappings of western settlement. In 1890, the 245 residents voted to incorporate the Town of Littleton.
Littleton, Colorado, offers a variety of attractions that cater to diverse interests. Here are some must-see destinations:
Historic Downtown Littleton: Experience the city's charm by exploring Main Street, lined with historic buildings housing unique shops, cafes, boutiques, brewpubs, and wine bars. Downtown Littleton showcases a variety of architectural styles, including Early Commercial, Italianate, and Moderne designs. Notably, the Littleton Town Hall, designed by J.J.B. Benedict in 1920, was inspired by the Palazzo della Regione in Vicenza, Italy.
Littleton Museum: This Smithsonian-affiliated museum offers insights into the area's history through exhibits and two living history farms, where visitors can observe 19th-century farm life reenactments.
Hudson Gardens: A free, expansive botanical garden featuring a variety of plants, walking trails, and water features. Throughout the year, it hosts concerts, events, and seasonal displays, making it a delightful place to visit in any season.
Carson Nature Center & South Platte Park: Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, this area offers miles of trails along the South Platte River, opportunities for fishing, tubing, biking, and hiking. The nature center provides educational exhibits about the local ecosystem.
Town Hall Arts Center: For those interested in the arts, this center offers professional theater productions, concerts, and art exhibits, contributing to Littleton's vibrant cultural scene.
Alferd Packer's Resting Place: Alferd Packer, infamous as a murderer and cannibal, lived in Littleton during the last years of his life and is buried in the city's historic cemetery; his grave attracts many visitors.
