Introduction to Longmont, Colorado
Longmont is situated at approximately 5000 feet above sea level in Boulder County. It's recognized as a Home Rule Municipality. It's approximately 31 miles away from Denver. The city has experienced significant growth, but maintains a residential ambience.
Some of the major employers are Seagate Technology, Longmont United Hospital, Amgen, Butterball, Intrado, Federal Aviation Administration and McLane Western. The Boulder/Longmont area is known for employment in the software industry. Residents and visitors enjoy the excellent views of the Rocky Mountains.
History
In 1870 a group of notable Chicago citizens sold memberships to a new town to be establish named "The Chicago-Colorado Colony." The proceeds from the membership sales were uses to purchase a large acreage in Northern Colorado. They built the town in 1871 and the name was taken from nearby Longs Peak, which was named in tribute to explorer Stephen H. Long. An extensive irrigation ditch system was constructed in order to bring water from the nearby rivers to the wheat fields, fruit tree orchards and other farm land. Soon, flour mills, a vegetable cannery and the prominent Great Western Sugar Co. were established.
During World War II a large number of Japanese-Americans who were in detention camps, relocated to Colorado and worked in the sugar beet fields. After the war was over a vast number of them still resided in the state. In the 1960's IBM and other hi-tech companies arrived. During the 1970's and 1980's agricultural businesses closed down and agriculture lost its significance for the community.
Attractions
- Historic Downtown
- Callahan House is an impressive Victorian style home
- Westside Historic District
- Dougherty Museum features numerous antique automobiles, musical instruments and farm equipment
- Hover Home features late Tudor Revival architecture
- Longmont Museum and Cultural Center is an attractive structure and includes several art galleries
- East Side Historic District
- Sandstone Ranch Visitor Center
- The Agricultural Heritage Center
- Longmont Memorial Rose Garden
- Old Mill Park features two log cabins, historic homes, beautiful gardens and relics from the pioneer days
- Old St. Stephen's Church
- Tower of Compassion is an Oriental pagoda
Entertainment and Culture
- Longmont Chorale
- The Longmont Symphony Orchestra is popular with residents
- Artwalk Longmont
- Sunflower Farm provides a variety of fun activities for children
- Jesters Dinner Theatre
- Longmont Theatre Company
Activities
The city has a vast amount of park land for outdoor activities. The area includes an extensive trail system for hiking, horseback riding, bicycle riding and provides excellent opportunities for nature photography. Numerous skiing areas are nearby. Boulder County Park includes campgrounds, rodeos and arts and craft events. Barbour Ponds State Recreation Area provides opportunities for fishing and camping and includes a scenic nature trail.
Golden Ponds is popular for fishing, picnicking and viewing wildlife. St. Vrain Greenway is known for native and migrating wildlife. Union Reservoir is enjoyed by residents and visitors for boating, camping, fishing, picnicking and swimming. McIntosh Lake and St. Vrain River are popular scenic locations. Longmont has several municipal golf courses.