Fort Collins history

The history of Fort Collins is a journey from a military outpost to a thriving academic and cultural centre. The city, which originated to protect settlers, eventually transformed into an important agricultural and educational hub of the region.

Foundation and First Mentions

The city was founded as a military outpost of the US Army in 1864. Initially, a camp named "Camp Collins," in honour of Lieutenant Colonel William O. Collins, was located here. The camp was established to protect travellers and the "Overland Trail" mail route from raids by indigenous tribes. After a devastating flood in June 1864, it was decided to move the post to higher and safer ground, which marked the beginning of the modern city of Fort Collins. In 1867, the military post was decommissioned, and civilians began to actively settle in its place.

Key Development Factors

The development of Fort Collins was defined by several key factors that turned it from a temporary fortification into a fully-fledged city:

• Agriculture: From the very beginning, fertile lands and access to water from the Cache la Poudre River facilitated the development of farming. Wheat and, crucially, sugar beets were successfully grown in the region. By the early 20th century, the city became known as the "lamb feeding capital of the world" due to the abundance of feed made from sugar beet tops.
• Arrival of the Railway: In 1877, the railway reached the city, which significantly accelerated economic growth. This allowed local farmers to supply their produce to regional and national markets, and also connected Fort Collins with major economic centres such as Denver.
• Education: In 1870, the Colorado Agricultural College was founded, with the first classes beginning in 1879. This educational institution, later renamed Colorado State University, became the city's main economic and cultural engine, attracting young people and fostering innovation.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the first decades of its existence, Fort Collins quickly acquired the features of a developing city. By 1872, there was already a hotel, a general store, a post office, a school, and a brick factory. Official city status was granted in 1873. In the 1880s, the construction of elegant homes and commercial buildings began, forming the historic look of Old Town. The economy was closely tied to agriculture, especially the cultivation and processing of sugar beets, which brought prosperity to the region in the early 20th century.

Chronology of Key Events

• 1864 — The military post of Fort Collins is founded to protect the Overland Trail from raids by indigenous tribes.
• 1870 — The Colorado Agricultural College is established, which would later become known as Colorado State University.
• 1873 — The settlement officially receives city status, marking the beginning of its civil development.
• 1877 — The first railway arrives in Fort Collins, significantly accelerating economic growth and facilitating the transport of agricultural produce.
• 1879 — The first academic building, known as Old Main, is built at the Colorado Agricultural College, and classes begin.
• 1903 — The first sugar processing factory opens, making sugar beet cultivation a key industry of the regional economy for decades to come.
• 1951 — The railway line running through the city ceases operations, symbolising the transition to the automotive era.
• 1957 — Colorado Agricultural and Mechanical College (Colorado A&M) is renamed Colorado State University.
• 1978 — The historic Old Town district is included in the US National Register of Historic Places, highlighting its architectural and cultural value.
• 1989 — The city's first craft brewery opens, marking the beginning of Fort Collins' reputation as one of the brewing centres in Colorado.
• 2005 — The White House designates Fort Collins a "Preserve America City" for its efforts in preserving historical heritage.

Key Milestones in the Development of Fort Collins

The history of Fort Collins is an example of how a city can transform, journeying from a military post to an innovative and cultural centre. The main stages of its development reflect shifting economic priorities and a steady rise in the quality of life.

• Foundation of an Educational Centre (1870): The establishment of the Colorado Agricultural College, which eventually evolved into Colorado State University, was a turning point. Today, the university is not only a major employer but also a centre for world-class scientific research, attracting talent and investment to the city.
• Arrival of the Railway (1877): The advent of rail transport connected isolated Fort Collins with Denver and the rest of the country. This gave a powerful impetus to the development of agriculture, allowing farmers to export their harvest, primarily wheat and sugar beets.
• "Sugar Boom" (Early 20th Century): The opening of a large sugar processing factory in 1903 made sugar beet cultivation the dominant industry of the economy for several decades. This contributed not only to economic prosperity but also to the formation of the region's unique cultural landscape.
• Formation of Old Town: The construction boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries created the architectural appearance of the historic centre, which is today the city's calling card. The inclusion of this district in the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 underscored its cultural value and spurred its careful revitalisation.
• Technological Growth (Second Half of the 20th Century): After World War II, the city's economy began to diversify. An important stage was the opening of production facilities by major technology companies such as Hewlett-Packard and Eastman Kodak, which laid the foundation for Fort Collins' reputation as one of Colorado's technology hubs.
• Emergence of the "Brewing Capital" (From the 1980s): Fort Collins earned a reputation as one of the main centres for craft brewing in the USA. The opening of breweries such as New Belgium and Odell not only created a powerful new industry but also formed a significant part of the city's modern cultural identity. By some estimates, up to 70% of all Colorado's craft beer is produced here.
• Sustainable Development and Quality of Life (Late 20th – Early 21st Century): The city actively implements principles of sustainable development and regularly ranks high in lists of the best cities to live in the USA. A focus on developing parks, cycling infrastructure, and preserving the natural environment has become an important part of urban planning policy.

The architectural appearance of Fort Collins is a visual chronicle of its development from a small settlement in the Wild West to a thriving modern city. Each era has left its mark in the form of characteristic styles and iconic buildings that form the city's unique atmosphere.

Birth of Old Town: Victorian Era (Late 19th Century)

With the arrival of the railway in 1877 and the start of economic growth, Fort Collins began to be actively built up. The historic district of Old Town, which is today the heart of the city, was formed during this period. Commercial and public buildings are characterised by styles reflecting the spirit of the times:

• Italianate: This style can be recognised by low roofs with wide eaves and decorative brackets. A vivid example is the oldest building on the Colorado State University campus, Spruce Hall, built in 1881.
• Richardsonian Romanesque: Massive stone or brick buildings with expressive arches and towers. This style gave structures a sense of solidity and durability.
• Queen Anne Style: This whimsical style predominated in residential developments, with its asymmetrical facades, bay windows, verandas, and turrets. A fine example is the Avery House, built in 1879 by one of the city's founders.

Era of Prosperity: From "Sugar Boom" to Art Deco (Early 20th Century)

The prosperity that came with the development of the sugar industry facilitated further construction. During this period, buildings in Neoclassical and Beaux-Arts styles appeared, such as the old post office and some university buildings. In residential areas expanding around the centre, more restrained but cosy styles became popular:

• American Craftsman and Bungalow: These houses were distinguished by simple forms, the use of natural materials, and an emphasis on functionality.
• Art Deco: In the 1930s and 1940s, individual buildings in this style appeared in the city, characterised by strict geometric lines and decorative elements.

Post-War Expansion and Modernism (Mid-20th Century)

The growth of Colorado State University and the arrival of major technology companies like Hewlett-Packard caused a boom in suburban growth. During this period, functional and affordable architectural solutions dominated:

• Ranch-style: Single-storey elongated houses became a symbol of American suburbia and became widespread in the new districts of Fort Collins.
• Mid-century Modern: This style is characterised by simple lines, large windows, and the integration of the building into the surrounding landscape.

Modernity: Heritage Preservation and New Urbanism (Late 20th – Early 21st Century)

The modern stage of Fort Collins' development is marked by a careful attitude towards historical heritage. In 1978, Old Town was included in the US National Register of Historic Places, which spurred its restoration. New construction often follows the principles of New Urbanism, striving to create a dense, pedestrian-friendly environment that harmonises with the historical context. Many modern buildings skilfully combine elements referencing Victorian architecture with the latest eco-friendly technologies, reflecting Fort Collins' progressive yet historically respectful character.

Notable People Associated with Fort Collins

Fort Collins has become home or a starting point for many talented individuals who have left their mark in a wide variety of fields — from science and law to arts and sports. Below are some of the most famous personalities whose biographies are linked to this city.

Politics and Law

• Byron White (1917–2002) — A Fort Collins native who achieved unique success in two different spheres. He first became an American football star playing in the NFL, and then had a brilliant legal career that led him to the position of Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, where he served for 31 years (1962–1993).

Science and Education

• Temple Grandin (born 1947) — A professor of animal science at Colorado State University and one of the world's most respected specialists in animal behaviour. Her revolutionary developments in the humane treatment of livestock have changed the industry. As a person with autism, she is also a prominent activist and speaker on the subject.
• Louis George Carpenter (1861–1935) — A distinguished hydraulic engineer and the first dean of engineering at Colorado Agricultural College (now Colorado State University). His research and implementation of scientific irrigation methods played a key role in transforming the arid lands of northern Colorado into a thriving agricultural region.

Arts and Entertainment

• Jon Heder (born 1977) — An actor and producer born in Fort Collins. He gained worldwide fame for his cult role in the film "Napoleon Dynamite," which made him one of the most recognisable comedic actors of the 2000s.
• Leslie Jones (born 1967) — A comedic actress and writer whose career began in Fort Collins. During her studies at Colorado State University, she won a "Funniest Person on Campus" contest, which pushed her towards the professional stage. She is best known for her work on the popular TV show "Saturday Night Live."
• Jake Lloyd (born 1989) — An actor born in Fort Collins who gained global fame as a child by playing the role of young Anakin Skywalker in the film "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace."
• Ross Marquand (born 1981) — A Fort Collins native and well-known film and television actor. He received wide recognition for his role as Aaron in the series "The Walking Dead," as well as for playing Red Skull in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films.

Literature

• Yusef Komunyakaa (born 1947) — A distinguished American poet who received the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1994. He is an alumnus of Colorado State University, where he earned a Master of Arts degree in creative writing, which became an important stage in his creative development.