Durango, Colorado is a city with a rich history and a vibrant present. Located in the southwestern part of the state, Durango is nestled in the foothills of the San Juan Mountains. The city was founded in 1880 by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, and quickly became a major mining and smelting center. Durango’s economy has since diversified, and the city is now a popular tourist destination known for its outdoor recreation, arts and culture scene, and historic downtown.
History
The first people to live in the area that is now Durango were the Ancestral Puebloans, who arrived over 2,000 years ago. The Ancestral Puebloans built a number of villages in the area, including Mesa Verde, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the 16th century, the Spanish arrived in the area. The Spanish established a number of missions in the area, including the San Juan de Los Caballeros Mission, which is located near Durango.
In the 18th century, the Ute Indians began to live in the area. The Utes were the dominant Native American tribe in the area until the 19th century.
In the 19th century, gold and silver were discovered in the San Juan Mountains. This led to a mining boom in the area, and Durango quickly grew into a major mining and smelting center.
In 1880, the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad arrived in Durango. The railroad helped to further boost the city’s economy, and Durango became a major transportation hub for the region.
In the 20th century, Durango’s economy diversified. The city became a popular tourist destination, and a number of industries, such as tourism, healthcare, and education, began to grow.
Present Day
Today, Durango is a vibrant city with a population of over 19,000 people. The city is home to a number of businesses, industries, and educational institutions. Durango is also a popular tourist destination, known for its outdoor recreation, arts and culture scene, and historic downtown.
Outdoor Recreation
Durango is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. The city is surrounded by mountains, forests, and rivers, which offer a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and skiing.
Arts and Culture
Durango has a vibrant arts and culture scene. The city is home to a number of art galleries, museums, theaters, and music venues. Durango also hosts a number of annual festivals and events, such as the Durango Mountain Bike Festival and the Durango Jazz Festival.
Historic Downtown
Durango’s historic downtown is a charming area with a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. The downtown area is also home to a number of historic buildings, such as the Strater Hotel, which was built in 1887.
Rich History and vibrant present
Durango is a city with a rich history and a vibrant present. The city is home to a variety of businesses, industries, and educational institutions. Durango is also a popular tourist destination, known for its outdoor recreation, arts and culture scene, and historic downtown. If you are looking for a city with something to offer everyone, Durango is the perfect place for you.
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