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For ages, the area of Boulder, Colorado was an area where the Native Americans preferred to spend their winters. In 1858, just under a decade after the forty-niners went to California, the prospectors showed up in Colorado in search of their fortunes. The “Boulder City Town Company’ was founded soon after, and the city itself was founded in 1871, predating the state of Colorado itself by five years. The mining industry stayed prevalent in Boulder until the middle of the 20th century. Today, Boulder is known especially for its University, as well being the home of the National Institute of Standards and Technology facility that houses the Atomic Clock. It is this clock that serves as the official time for the entire nation of the United States (with adjustments made for time zones, of course). Suffice to say, there are numerous historic sites and buildings in Boulder, Colorado.

Arnett-Fullen House

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This is the most iconic historic-home in Boulder, Colorado. It was built in 1877 by Willamette Arnett for approximately 00. Obviously this was a considerable amount of money in 1877 equaling as much as 2,000 in today’s dollars. The house is Victorian in style, featuring impressive iron-works and the first indoor residential bathing room in Boulder, Colorado. A few years later it would also be the first home with central heating, cold running water, and an indoor restroom. The house has been meticulously restored; it as beautiful today, as it was over 130 years ago. A stopping block for carriages still rests outside, and hooks can still be found inside for kerosene lanterns. Arnett would die in Alaska in 1900, having headed there for the Klondike Gold Rush. In 1914, the home was purchased by Mrs. Hiram Fullen, the widow of a miner, who paid ,500 for the property. The home was purchased in 1993 by Historic Boulder for 9,000 who have maintained it ever since.

Mork and Mindy House

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Mork and Mindy, it’s the most famous sitcom ever to be set in Boulder, Colorado. While it was, of course, primarily shot on a television set, the exterior shots of Mindy’s house are of an actual home in Boulder. Located at 1619 Pine Street, the home still stands as it did in the late 70’s to early 80’s when the show aired. Mork and Mindy, although, was not the only television appearance for this home. In the last two seasons of Perfect Strangers, Larry and Balki moved into the house with their wives Jennifer and Mary Anne.

Columbia Cemetery

In 1869, after deciding Boulder was in need of a cemetery, the area’s Free Masons purchased a piece of land and established Columbia Cemetery. Unfortunately, less than a decade later it would become apparently that the cemetery grounds were ill maintained as cowboys would allow their cattle to graze atop the graves. Luckily by 1900, the cemetery was able to generate enough profit to afford proper care. In the early part of the 20th century, ownership of the cemetery was transferred to the Park Cemetery Association. In the 60’s it was then transferred then to the City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department, who still maintain the now beautiful cemetery grounds to this day.

University of Colorado at Boulder

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Shortly after the state of Colorado was founded in 1876, an amendment was made to the state constitution providing funds for the creation of several state schools including the University of Colorado. Its location, however, had yet to be decided. The city of Boulder and Canon City both competed for the honor. Unfortunately, the consolation prize, to be the location of Colorado’s new state prison, left Canon City at a disadvantage as it was already home to Colorado’s territorial prison. Once Boulder was selected as the new school’s location, another problem had to be addressed. There were few preparatory schools in Colorado, let alone students ready for University schooling. To accommodate this, a preparatory school was also established on campus at the time. In 1917, with the school set for a massive expansion, an Italian Rural Architectural style was decided upon for the campus as it was believed the style would fit in well with Boulder’s foothills.

Hotel Boulderado

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In 1905, the city council of Boulder came to believe the city’s growth was beginning to stagnate. To help improve the cities stature, it was decided a first class hotel should be built. The Hotel Boulderado opened in 1909, making it now a century old. Every room featured light fixtures running on both electricity and gas. Running hot water and central heating were also provided. Telephones would also be installed in most rooms. While the hotel has had its tough times, especially during the depression, today it is a wonderful as ever and open for business.

Fox Theater

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Commonly known as “The Fox” the Fox Theater was constructed in 1926 and originally known as the Rialto Theater. The theater’s history is convoluted, but the earliest record (and therefore likely origin) of the “Fox” name appeared in 1930 when the “Fox Colorado Theatre Group” bought the building. There is even debate as to what the theater was used for originally as some newspaper articles claim is was a vaudeville theater while others indicate it was a cinema. Film historians can tell you, however, that in 1926 it was quite common for theaters to be both, exhibiting vaudeville and movies, sometimes together on the same night. The building has gone through a number of uses throughout the past several decades, including that of a night club, bar and grill, and cafeteria. Today, the theater is primarily used as a concert hall.

Whether it be a theater, graveyard, or a famous house on television, Boulder, Colorado is a city teeming with an eclectic array of Historic Sites and Buildings. It is well worth a look if one is seeking property in the state of Colorado.