The History of
Fort Collins
LEARN MORE ABOUT FORT COLLINS
Before the City of Hiking and Beer
The region’s prehistory dates back thousands of years, with evidence of early human settlements and a diverse range of prehistoric animals. Native American tribes, including the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute, inhabited the area for centuries, relying on hunting, gathering, and trading. In the 19th century, European Americans began to explore and settle in the region, drawn by the promise of fertile land and abundant natural resources. Trappers, traders, and soldiers established camps and trading posts, laying the groundwork for the future city of Fort Collins. Despite conflicts and tensions between settlers and Native Americans, the early history of the Fort Collins area is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit.
WHAT MADE FOCO POPULAR
From Frontier to Tech
The development of Fort Collins from a frontier outpost to a thriving city is a remarkable story of vision, perseverance, and community building. The city was founded in 1864 as a military fort to protect travelers and settlers along the Overland Trail. In the following decades, Fort Collins grew into a bustling hub of agriculture, trade, and industry. The area’s fertile land and water resources made it an ideal location for farming, and the city became known for its wheat, sugar beets, and dairy products. The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s further spurred economic growth, enabling Fort Collins to expand its markets and transportation links.
How Cache la Poudre got its name!
Hiding Place of the Gunpowder
Legend has it that many years ago, a group of French fur trappers were camped along the banks of the river that runs through Fort Collins. They were carrying a cache of gunpowder, known in French as “la poudre,” which they hid in a nearby cave for safekeeping. One night, a heavy rainstorm hit the area, causing the river to flood and wash away their cache of gunpowder. The trappers searched for the missing cache but were unable to find it. When they returned to their camp, they shared the story with their fellow trappers, who started calling the river “la riviere de la cache la poudre,” or “the river of the hiding place of the gunpowder.” Over time, the name was shortened to “Cache la Poudre,” and it has been used ever since to refer to the river that flows through Fort Collins.
20th Century
Fort Collins underwent rapid expansion to the south in the latter part of the 20th century, marked by the construction of several regional malls and new developments. The management of urban growth patterns became a key political priority in the 1980s, coinciding with the efforts to revitalize the Old Town area through the creation of a Downtown Development Authority. In July 1997, the city was hit by a devastating flash flood that lasted for 31 hours, with 10-14 inches of rainfall, setting a record for the heaviest downpour in an urban area of Colorado. The disaster claimed the lives of five people and inflicted $5 million in damages to the city. The flood also caused severe damage to Colorado State University’s library, which suffered approximately $140 million in losses.
FoCo Today
Fort Collins is renowned for its vibrant college atmosphere, largely due to the presence of Colorado State University students who comprise a significant portion of the population. The university offers on-campus housing options for students throughout the academic year. The youthful demographic contributes to a thriving local music scene and an abundance of craft breweries in the area.
The Downtown Business Association organizes several notable annual events, including Taste of Fort Collins in early summer, which features local cuisine and performances by popular bands. The Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra graces the stage at the esteemed Lincoln Center, while touring Broadway productions frequently make their way through the city.
Furthermore, Fort Collins is celebrated for its agriculture, beer and cycling culture. Fort Collins Peach Festival, held in August, showcases a day full of music, local food, and local beer! For cycling enthusiasts, the Tour de Fat, hosted by New Belgium Brewing Company, presents a unique opportunity to don costumes and partake in a spirited bike ride. This lively event draws a crowd of over 20,000 participants annually.
FORT COLLINS REAL ESTATE
Homes in Fort Collins offer a variety of options for buyers in different price ranges. It’s a highly sought after community known for its excellent school system and affordable prices compared to nearby cities like Boulder or Longmont.
Home prices in Fort Collins vary by neighborhood, with options ranging from modest starter homes to luxurious estates. As of 2022, home values in Fort Collins range from $400,000 for a small condo to $1,000,000 for a large detached home. The median sale price is around $600,000 with an average home size of approximately 1,800 square feet. The city offers a wide range of options for home buyers, with varying sizes, styles, and craftsmanship to choose from.