This northeastern Denver suburb sits along the banks of the South Platte River. Brighton combines a small-town atmosphere with rich cultural and historical roots, evident as one drives down its main street.
In 1862 the Hughes Stagecoach Station was established. In 1885 the first school was completed. Built by A.L. Church for $1,257 and located on 1st Street.
Incorporated in 1887, the city’s history actually dates back to 1881. That is when Daniel Carmichael, a Denver real estate agent, began buying land here and named the town Brighton in honor of his wife’s birthplace, Brighton Beach, New York.
At the time, Brighton was little more than a railroad depot, a wind mill, a water tower and a station master’s house. On July 26, 1887, the town of Brighton was officially incorporated with a population of 175.
Since that time, Brighton has grown from an agricultural hub of truck gardens and dairy farms to an urbanized and industrially developed community of more than 37,000. With the largest concentration of producing farms in Colorado supplying a majority of the produce for our state, as well as exports outside of Colorado, it’s still rich in agriculture and a local food economy.
Since 1904, Brighton has served as the permanent seat of Adams County. Every year, Brighton hosts the Adams County Fair, in which during past years, an infamous tomato-throwing contest painted contestants and parts of the town red. Today, one of Brighton's most popular attractions is the Murray Maize Maze. This corn maze, shaped like a bear and two wolves, features four miles of twisting trails across 15 acres of tall corn.
For outdoor pursuits, enthusiasts head to Brighton's own day-use facility: Barr Lake State Park. Home to the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory, with more than 300 different species, Barr Lake is also a birder's paradise. Find some of the best views from the lakeside gazebo, where even red fox and deer can be spotted.
The museum holds a large complex of historic building, objects, and replicas that educate and entertain its visitors. Things such as, the Cultural Center, a replica one-room schoolhouse, a replica Conoco Station, a working Blacksmith Shop, a firehouse, a restored 1887 two-story Victorian House, a 1920 railroad caboose and the 120-foot by 60-foot Hoffman Hall, which is full of several exhibits, including an actual jail cell from the old Adams County Jail, a printing press, Western gear and tack (including a saddle used by a Pony Express rider), vintage housewares, antique tools and medical equipment and a military section.
Brighton Colorado is a city founded on a rich history of diversity, agriculture, pioneers, railroads, and commerce. In 2018 Brighton's population is 37,585 people.
Today, Brighton is a teaming mosaic of old and new, and recognized as one of the fastest growing cities in the US. You don't know what you're missing if you just drive by, so stop in. Brighton has been able to maintain that small town appeal and charm that you can’t find in larger suburbs. |
