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Boulder, Colorado

Located in Boulder County, Colorado, Boulder was established in 1859. Boulder's Pearl Street Mall is one of the most iconic pedestrian malls in America. The Marshall Fire of 2021 destroyed over 1,000 homes — Colorado's most destructive wildfire.

Founded 1859 | Population 106,000 | Peak 106,000 (2024) | County Boulder County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Boulder, Colorado

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1859Gold Rush Settlement: Miners settle at base of Flatirons.

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1876CU Founded: University of Colorado established.

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1942Military Presence: Military installations became a major part of Boulder's identity and economy.

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1965NCAR Founded: National Center for Atmospheric Research.

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2021Marshall Fire: Devastating wildfire destroys 1,000+ homes.

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Complete Historical Timeline

1859 Industry

Gold Rush Settlement

1876 Culture

CU Founded

1942 Government

Military Presence

1965 Science

NCAR Founded

2021 Disaster

Marshall Fire

Did You Know?

Boulder's Pearl Street Mall is one of the most iconic pedestrian malls in America.

The Marshall Fire of 2021 destroyed over 1,000 homes — Colorado's most destructive wildfire.

Boulder is consistently ranked among the happiest and healthiest cities in the U.S.

Boulder is located in Boulder County, Colorado.

Boulder was founded in 1859.

Famous People from Boulder, Colorado

Edward Tatum

Biochemist, Geneticist · Born Dec 14, 1909 · Died Nov 5, 1975 (age 65)

Kristin Davis

Actor, Stage Actor · Born Feb 23, 1965 · Age 61

Scott Carpenter

Astronaut, Writer · Born May 1, 1925 · Died Oct 10, 2013 (age 88)

John Fante

Screenwriter, Writer · Born Apr 8, 1909 · Died May 8, 1983 (age 74)

Jello Biafra

Actor, Politician · Born Jun 17, 1958 · Age 67

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