Colorado Experience

Motivated by a bet in the late 1940s, two Swiss brothers on small wooden folding boats raced 57 miles down the Arkansas River through the Royal Gorge from Salida to Cañon City. The race would inspire what is now the oldest and longest whitewater festival in the United States. 2018 marks the 70th anniversary of the “First in Boating the Arkansas” whitewater festival, or FIBArk. Discover the adventurous evolution of the festival and how it has shaped whitewater sports across America and fortified a small town in central Colorado.

The history of Colorado may best be seen through the bottom of a beer mug. From quenching the thirst of Gold Rush miners in the 1800s to modern craft brews pouring $3 billion into Colorado’s economy, beer has either borne witness to or helped create some of the most interesting chapters in the state’s history. From stowaway Adolf Coors to craft brew revolutionist Charlie Papazian, meet the pioneers of this now booming industry. Cheers!

Check in to Denver's "Oasis of Elegance": The Brown Palace Hotel. As Denver's longest operating hotel, this "Palace" was an engineering marvel for its time and today serves as a time capsule in the heart of modern downtown Denver. Explore the halls that have hosted cultural icons and discover the secrets of this magnificent hotel that have enticed its guests since 1892.

The son of a tubercular mother and an alcoholic father, Ben Nighthorse Campbell persevered to become one of America’s most interesting leaders. From high school dropout to Olympic athlete… from artist to the United States Senator from Colorado… Ben has amassed a collection of identities, but none so important as the one he was ceremonially given by his father’s Northern Cheyenne tribe: Nighthorse. Ben Nighthorse Campbell has found success through fusing seemingly conflicting cultures, political beliefs, and artistic techniques – truly creating his own American identity.

In the late 1850s, prospects of gold lured miners to the intersection of the Platte River & Cherry Creek. It was here that Auraria, later to become “West Denver,” was born. Explore the origins of Denver through its oldest neighborhood and see how this culturally-rich community fought against urban renewal and for historic preservation — maintaining a true community that now hosts a thriving campus of opportunity.

Amid the coarse Colorado landscape and growing city, Denverites had the green mind to establish a botanic garden. The creation of today’s popular and flourishing Denver Botanic Gardens was a long, formidable journey during the mid-19th century that was only possible through local donations, gifts, volunteers, and dedicated individuals. Unearth the garden’s resilient story as an architectural, educational, and scientific pioneer.

It’s dog and handler versus sheep at The Meeker Classic Sheepdog Trials. What began as a strategy to bring commerce and people to the small town of Meeker in 1987 has become one of the world’s most renowned sheepdog competitions. Set in the beautiful White River Valley of Northwestern Colorado, witness the story of a small Western becoming an international destination.

Marvel at newly-discovered archaeological finds of the Ute Indians’ ancient lifestyle — revealed through literal twigs of history. The uncovering of “wickiup” sleeping shelters — ephemeral, temporary homes that pre-date tipis — tells the tale of nomadic Natives following the seasons. But then came horses and everything changed.

Initially only a single building in the middle of a 25-acre plot of land near Cañon City, Colorado’s first prison was erected in 1868 before statehood. Colorado’s history of imprisonment has taken a turbulent journey through rebellions, riots, and escapes. The story of Old Max and its architectural journey tells the story of changing attitudes towards crime, justice and punishment.

Built by the "Fuel King of the West," John C. Osgood, this "Ruby of the Rockies" represents the exquisite styles and social culture of 20th century American elite. This castle stands as a monument to the empire built by one of Colorado's most successful entrepreneurs and represents a change in social policy concerning labor management relations. Explore the extravagant halls of the Redstone Castle and learn of its struggle for survival through multiple owners and flirtation with destruction.

Ride into the “bloody grass” battlefields of the Old West’s longest feud and witness the gunfights, court cases, and massacres that gave rise to the classic American contest of cowboy versus sheepman. For more than forty years Colorado sheep herders and cattlemen waged war over the rights to two of the most sought-after sources in the American West: water and land. The days of the “Sheep and Cattle Wars” came to an end with the Taylor Grazing Act of 1934 that became the law of the modern West that attempted to protect public lands by regulating their private uses and abuses.

In an era of segregation and Civil Rights protests, Fannie Mae Duncan brought world-class black entertainers to Colorado Springs. Her Cotton Club boasted high profile, top-tier acts of the day including Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Etta James. For nearly three decades it was one of a few bars, if not the only, catering to the black community. Her motto “Everybody Welcome” embraced a multi-ethnic staff and attracted a well-to-do white population eager to experience artists who were not permitted to perform elsewhere. Fannie Mae’s legacy of generosity, philanthropy, perseverance, and peaceful integration continues to inspire today.

Dreaming of a better life, many individuals were inspired to make the harsh trek westward at the turn of the 19th century without the assurance of home and family. The rise of boarding houses presented a solution to this insecurity while challenging social and cultural conventions of gender, race, and class. Discover how the adaptable nature of boarding houses like the Astor House, Hotel Jerome, and the Peck House allowed for their survival despite mining busts and the end of railroads.

According to the Colorado Springs Gazette, Colorado “has more than 1,000 ghost towns, over 600 of which have some sort of remains.” Visit St. Elmo, Animas Forks, and Ashcroft, three of the best-preserved ghost towns in the state, and meet the spirits of Colorado’s mining past.

The famous Oscar Wilde saying “Life imitates art far more than art imitates life” holds little truth in Colorado. With the magnificent mountains and bucolic landscapes located across the state, artist and pioneers could not help but replicate the sights before them. From the documentary art of early expeditions, to the celebratory art of the iconic bronco busting cowboy, discover the backstory of 250 years of Western American art.

After earning her physician’s license in 1897, Anderson struggled to find work in Denver where people “didn’t believe in women doctors.” She did not let this stop her love of medicine and moved to Fraser, where she cured lumberjacks, tended to miners’ injuries, and even cared for animals. Meet the tenacious treasure of Fraser, one of the first to practice medicine in the state of Colorado.

America’s explosive successes in peace and war were fueled by the radioactive wealth from the Colorado Plateau. The mineral carnotite was a “Pandora’s rock” of scientific, medical, industrial, and military power for 20th Century America with its unleashed resources of radium, vanadium, and uranium. Even though the energetic and frenetic mining and refining of uranium ore in Western Colorado has mostly ceased, its remaining trace elements of memory and controversy still radiate from Uravan and Grand Junction throughout the state, the nation, and the world.

Evidence of prehistoric mammals and early humans have been discovered across Colorado. Lamb Spring in Douglas County is home to the largest collection of Columbian mammoth bones in the state, offering archaeological insight into these prehistoric dwellers. The discoveries of Lindenmeier near Ft. Collins and Mountaineer in Gunnison reveal much about the people who lived here over 10,000 years ago.

Take a ride on the Galloping Goose, seven operational railcars that ran through the rugged San Juan mountains from 1931 to 1952. Carrying cargo, mail, and passengers, these “Motors” connected Dolores, Telluride, and Ridgeway with many locations along the Rio Grande Southern Railroad. Discover their mechanical and weather-related adventures, learn how they have been preserved, and why they attract visitors from around the world.

Join us on a wild ride as we discover some of Colorado’s oldest amusement parks. Elitch Gardens, Denver’s most popular park, opened in 1890 and operated as Denver’s first botanic garden, zoo, and motion picture theater. Across town, Lakeside Amusement Park wowed with its Art Deco décor. In Burlington, their speedy animal carousel attracted children of all ages. Discover why these parks are the most thrilling in Colorado.

Colorado has been a leader in aviation since the early 1900s. From the Alexander Aircraft Company, which in the 1920s was the largest airplane manufacturer in the world, and Elrey Jeppesen, a young man who turned his passion for penning aviation charts into a booming business, to Emily Howell Warner, the first commercial female pilot, explore Colorado’s history of Aviation and meet the inspiring individuals who have shaped an industry.

Located near Great Sand Dunes National Park, The Trujillo Homestead and The Medano Zapata Ranch have a history dating back to Paleo-Indians, with early Spanish explorers and New Mexican sheep herders and cattle ranchers settling the area in the 1800s. Today, these National Historic Landmarks provide a window to the past and a sanctuary for many wetland birds, rare plants and insects, and of course cattle and bison.

Colorado and the west are where American mountain biking began. From the Denver Athletic Club’s Pikes Peak summit on bicycles in 1891, to Buffalo Soldiers’ riding to Yellowstone in 1897, mountain biking has long had a place in Colorado. Its modern debut came in 1978, when mountain biking pioneers from Marin County, California, visited Crested Butte’s 2nd “Klunker Tour.” Since then, Crested Butte has led the state in creating single track and inspiring other towns to cater to this now-Olympic sport.

The 1910s marked the early years of tourism to Colorado’s front range and quickly, promoters presented the surrounding mountains as magnificent park attractions. Today, 46 public parks make up the Denver Mountain Parks system, including famous destinations such as Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater, Mount Evans, and Winter Park. Meet those who had the foresight to preserve these epic spaces, and understand why it is vital to preserve them for Coloradans and tourists alike.

Discover how lodging has changed with transportation throughout Colorado. From stage coaches and railroads to the autobus and eventually cars, tourists have increasingly flocked to Colorado’s mountains. Venture to Grand Lake and Steamboat to discover the history behind some of the favorite places to stay while making a mountain escape.

After discovering sugar beets on a trip to Europe, Charles Boettcher filled a suitcase with seeds and found Colorado’s plains were the perfect environment for sugar beets. This new crop would prove to be one of the most important in Colorado’s agricultural history. Additionally, sugar beets attracted a diverse array of workers – fields were soon filled with everyone from Mexican nationals to European immigrants and WWII German Prisoners of War.

Encouraged by civil rights movements of the 1960s, the Disability Rights Movement gained momentum leading to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. Decades earlier in 1978, 19 individuals tossed aside their wheelchairs and blocked city buses deemed inaccessible for the physically disabled. Meet the brave individuals who dared to change the status quo and discover how this one act led to years of advocacy in the state of Colorado and inspired the nation.

When the skies opened on July 31, 1976, few anticipated this summer storm would result in the deadliest flash flood in Colorado’s recorded history. Colorado Experience is a historical documentary series produced by Rocky Mountain PBS celebrating the people, places and events that shaped the state. Podcasts in this playlist are derived from the fourth season of the Emmy Award-winning history series. Learn more and watch full episodes online at www.rmpbs.org/ColoradoExperience

Once a tropical landscape inhabited by Dinosaurs, Colorado has a fascinating history of paleontology. Discover the “Bone Wars” of the late 1800s and the major fossil finds across Colorado. Colorado Experience is a historical documentary series produced by Rocky Mountain PBS celebrating the people, places and events that shaped the state. Podcasts in this playlist are derived from the fourth season of the Emmy Award-winning history series. Learn more and watch full episodes online at www.rmpbs.org/ColoradoExperience

Widely known as serving inspiration for Steven King’s 1977 novel, The Shining, The Stanley Hotel’s legacy goes beyond a history of paranormal activity. Colorado Experience is a historical documentary series produced by Rocky Mountain PBS celebrating the people, places and events that shaped the state. Podcasts in this playlist are derived from the second season of the Emmy Award-winning history series. Learn more and watch full episodes online at www.rmpbs.org/ColoradoExperience

Discover the extravagant lives of Colorado’s most famous love triangle. Colorado Experience is a historical documentary series produced by Rocky Mountain PBS celebrating the people, places and events that shaped the state. Podcasts in this playlist are derived from the fourth season of the Emmy Award-winning history series. Learn more and watch full episodes online at www.rmpbs.org/ColoradoExperience

From the Grand Dragon to known KKK appointees in the police, mayor and governor offices, Colorado once had the 2nd largest Ku Klux Klan membership in the United States. Colorado Experience is a historical documentary series produced by Rocky Mountain PBS celebrating the people, places and events that shaped the state. Podcasts in this playlist are derived from the fourth season of the Emmy Award-winning history series. Learn more and watch full episodes online at www.rmpbs.org/ColoradoExperience

Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School & Camp is the oldest of it's kind in the United States. Here's a peek at how the founders, Charlotte Perry and Portia Mansfield determined their dancing camp should take place in the Rocky Mountain West. Colorado Experience is a historical documentary series produced by Rocky Mountain PBS celebrating the people, places and events that shaped the state. Podcasts in this playlist are derived from the fourth season of the Emmy Award-winning history series. Learn more and watch full episodes online at www.rmpbs.org/ColoradoExperience

The courthouses across Colorado are much more than judicial landmarks, their placement represents power and land status. From Ouray County’s solid stone design, to Lake City’s wooden frame structure, discover the beauty, legacy and legends of Colorado’s Courthouses.

Discover the fascinating history of one of the oldest towns in Colorado. From a farming community, to a coal mining metropolis, to an innovative center for sex reassignment surgery and to an artistic community, Trinidad continually reinvents itself. Colorado Experience is a historical documentary series produced by Rocky Mountain PBS celebrating the people, places and events that shaped the state. Podcasts in this playlist are derived from the fourth season of the Emmy Award-winning history series. Learn more and watch full episodes online at www.rmpbs.org/ColoradoExperience

The history of Colorado mirrors the history of agriculture. Meet three families who continue to work the land their ancestors first tilled over one hundred years ago. Colorado Experience is a historical documentary series produced by Rocky Mountain PBS celebrating the people, places and events that shaped the state. Podcasts in this playlist are derived from the fourth season of the Emmy Award-winning history series. Learn more and watch full episodes online at www.rmpbs.org/ColoradoExperience

Meet Dana Crawford. As one of the country's most influential preservationists, her legacy can be seen throughout Colorado from modern lofts to Denver's historic Larimer Square. Colorado Experience is a historical documentary series produced by Rocky Mountain PBS celebrating the people, places and events that shaped the state. Podcasts in this playlist are derived from the second season of the Emmy Award-winning history series. Learn more and watch full episodes online at www.rmpbs.org/ColoradoExperience

On November 7, 1893, Colorado became the first state in the nation to grant women’s suffrage by popular vote, and the following year the first three female state legislators were elected. Colorado Experience is a historical documentary series produced by Rocky Mountain PBS celebrating the people, places and events that shaped the state. Podcasts in this playlist are derived from the fourth season of the Emmy Award-winning history series. Learn more and watch full episodes online at www.rmpbs.org/ColoradoExperience

During Colorado’s Gold Rush days, newspaper headlines revealed passionate letters and secret elopements between same-sex couples. Nearly two centuries later, the city of Denver hosts one of the largest PrideFests in America, yet continues to struggle for equality. Colorado Experience is a historical documentary series produced by Rocky Mountain PBS celebrating the people, places and events that shaped the state. Podcasts in this playlist are derived from the fourth season of the Emmy Award-winning history series. Learn more and watch full episodes online at www.rmpbs.org/ColoradoExperience

Marvel at the Hotel’s elegant quarters, whet your palette with the elaborate menu (oysters included, and not of the Rocky Mountain variety!) and meet the wealthy businessmen, railroad tycoons and adventure-seekers who found themselves in the Wild West’s lap of luxury. Colorado Experience is a historical documentary series produced by Rocky Mountain PBS celebrating the people, places and events that shaped the state. Podcasts in this playlist are derived from the fourth season of the Emmy Award-winning history series. Learn more and watch full episodes online at www.rmpbs.org/ColoradoExperience

Go insde the Peterson Air Force Base command center for The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) to discover all that they do to protect the United States and Canada. Colorado Experience is a historical documentary series produced by Rocky Mountain PBS celebrating the people, places and events that shaped the state. Podcasts in this playlist are derived from the second season of the Emmy Award-winning history series. Learn more and watch full episodes online at www.rmpbs.org/ColoradoExperience

What happened to the Ancient Puebloans of Mesa Verde and Crow Canyon? Historians and archaeologists discuss the possibility that this drastic move might have been due to a devastating drought. Colorado Experience is a historical documentary series produced by Rocky Mountain PBS celebrating the people, places and events that shaped the state. Podcasts in this playlist are derived from the second season of the Emmy Award-winning history series. Learn more and watch full episodes online at www.rmpbs.org/ColoradoExperience

Colorado Experience spotlights the early roots of one of the state’s most renowned native sons, Jack Dempsey, the Manassa Mauler. Colorado Experience is a historical documentary series produced by Rocky Mountain PBS celebrating the people, places and events that shaped the state. Podcasts in this playlist are derived from the second season of the Emmy Award-winning history series. Learn more and watch full episodes online at www.rmpbs.org/ColoradoExperience

Looking back to 1891, this episode shows how a lack of timber fuel threatened mining operations in Telluride. Colorado Experience is a historical documentary series produced by Rocky Mountain PBS celebrating the people, places and events that shaped the state. Podcasts in this playlist are derived from the second season of the Emmy Award-winning history series. Learn more and watch full episodes online at www.rmpbs.org/ColoradoExperience

From the philanthropists behind National Jewish Hospital for Consumptives, to the father of Denver theater, this episode discovers the significant achievements made by Colorado’s Jewish population. Colorado Experience is a historical documentary series produced by Rocky Mountain PBS celebrating the people, places and events that shaped the state. Podcasts in this playlist are derived from the second season of the Emmy Award-winning history series. Learn more and watch full episodes online at www.rmpbs.org/ColoradoExperience

From Native Americans to thrill seekers, discover the beauty and history of one of the world’s most visited and celebrated city parks. Colorado Experience is a historical documentary series produced by Rocky Mountain PBS celebrating the people, places and events that shaped the state. Podcasts in this playlist are derived from the second season of the Emmy Award-winning history series. Learn more and watch full episodes online at www.rmpbs.org/ColoradoExperience

Step inside the historic 1906 building, investigate the wild robbery of 1922 and discover the secrets behind the Denver Mint. Colorado Experience is a historical documentary series produced by Rocky Mountain PBS celebrating the people, places and events that shaped the state. Podcasts in this playlist are derived from the second season of the Emmy Award-winning history series. Learn more and watch full episodes online at www.rmpbs.org/ColoradoExperience

Discover The Ute Nation, the original residents of Colorado, and their lasting impact on the state. Colorado Experience is a historical documentary series produced by Rocky Mountain PBS celebrating the people, places and events that shaped the state. Podcasts in this playlist are derived from the first season of the Emmy Award-winning history series. Learn more and watch full episodes online at www.rmpbs.org/ColoradoExperience

During the height of the Fur Trade, Bent's Fort was a great western hub of commercial and cultural exchange. Colorado Experience is a historical documentary series produced by Rocky Mountain PBS. Each half-hour episode celebrates a person, place or event that shaped the state. Podcasts are an audio version of the Emmy Award-winning television series. Learn more and watch full episodes online at www.rmpbs.org/ColoradoExperience

From the beginning of its settlement, Colorado has demonstrated a legacy of giving and philanthropy. Colorado Experience is a historical documentary series produced by Rocky Mountain PBS. Each half-hour episode celebrates a person, place or event that shaped the state. Podcasts are an audio version of the Emmy Award-winning television series. Learn more and watch full episodes online at www.rmpbs.org/ColoradoExperience

Colorado's top lawyers and historians unravel the unintended consequences of the state's constitution. Colorado Experience is a historical documentary series produced by Rocky Mountain PBS celebrating the people, places and events that shaped the state. Podcasts in this playlist are derived from the first season of the Emmy Award-winning history series. Learn more and watch full episodes online at www.rmpbs.org/ColoradoExperience