Celebrate Colorado’s 150th Anniversary in Castle Rock

Jeff Adkins

In 1876, Colorado achieved statehood, solidifying the boundaries of a territory already defined by pioneer settlements, Gold Rush towns and the crisscrossing network of national railroads. Situated along one of these major rail lines was Castle Rock, a town aptly named for the prominent, castle-like butte at its heart.

And 150 years later, the city is a bustling community of over 85,000 residents – a number that’s doubled decade over decade – yet it still retains its neighborly spirit and small-town charm.

As Colorado gets ready to celebrate its 150th anniversary of statehood and the 250th anniversary of the United States, Castle Rock locals are gearing up to celebrate the occasion.

“Our commission is interested in creating a celebration that delivers a shared experience for all,” says Jay Seaton, who serves on the America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission. “There are signature initiatives that will help us learn more about our shared history and shared love for this place, encouraging people to visit places in the state they might otherwise miss.”

The Early Years

White settlers initially flocked to Castle Rock, lured by the promise of gold and the opportunities provided by the Homestead Act of 1862. Although no gold was ever found, the settlers discovered something equally valuable: Rhyolite. This hard, volcanic rock fueled several prosperous local quarries, with the stone being used to construct prominent buildings, including Denver’s famous Molly Brown House and Trinity United Methodist Church. Today, one former mining location, Quarry Mesa Open Space, has been transformed into a public recreation area, offering scenic views and a tangible perspective on the region’s evolving history.

Jeff Adkins

Thanks to the quarries, the railroad made a stop here, too.

“The railroad came through in 1871, even before statehood. Rhyolite was a big business and economic boon for the town,” says Angie DeLeo, Castle Rock Museum director. “The next milestone is that it was elected as the new county seat for Douglas County in 1874. That cemented its ability to stay around. It was incorporated as a town in 1881.”

Castle Rock’s early history is preserved throughout the town, visible in the many buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the original Douglas County Courthouse, the Castle Rock Chamber, the Castle Rock Depot, Castle Rock Elementary School, Dyer House, Hammar House, the Keystone Hotel, and the First National Bank of Douglas County.

Today’s Castle Rock

Castle Rock remained a small town for decades, only topping 1,000 residents in the early 1960s, when Interstate 25 was routed through town. Because of its proximity to Denver and Colorado Springs, it was a convenient place to live.

“When the road came through to go from Denver to Colorado Springs, it was a place to stop for gas and food,” DeLeo says. “It meant a lot to have that for the town. It became more attractive to people to live in a space where they could reach county government and services.”

Jeff Adkins

Since the 1970s, the city’s population has doubled each decade, drawing largely commuters working in either Denver or Colorado Springs, spurred by growth in the aerospace, technology and telecommunications industries. Castle Rock remains mostly zoned for residential use, without industrial complexes.

That’s one way Castle Rock has retained its small-town charm – it offers numerous amenities for its residents, including world-class golf courses and 5,000 acres of parks and open spaces with over 130 miles of trails. Its historic downtown offers breweries, retail boutiques, independent restaurants and other locally owned small businesses.

Ways to Celebrate

Castle Rock is set to celebrate a unique dual milestone: Colorado’s 150th anniversary and the country’s 250th. The Town of Castle Rock and its key partners – such as the Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Corporation, Downtown Alliance, and Parks and Recreation – are collaborating to enhance programming for 2026 with initiatives including:

• Placing commemorative banners
• Installing “Big Drive,” large-scale sculptures of a bull, cow, and calf at Rock Park, to pay homage to its Western roots
• Hosting special events on Flag Day, the Fourth of July and Colorado Day
• Dedicating a time capsule at the new Castle Rock Sports Center

Among the America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission’s initiatives is a statewide digital passport that allows participants to check in at sites to earn rewards and exclusive offers meant to encourage locals and visitors to explore Colorado.