From its start, Longmont has been a city of new beginnings and limitless opportunities.

The city now rooted at the base of the Rocky Mountains was launched as an idea when, in 1870, a group of Chicago businessmen were determined to start a new town in Colorado. The idea caught on with many adventurous individuals who bought memberships in the Chicago-Colorado Colony. They were a diverse group with a common ambition – to build new lives and new careers.

Using money raised from membership sales, the founding fathers purchased 60,000 acres of land. By the summer of 1871, they had founded a town and gave it a name – Longmont – in honor of nearby Longs Peak.

The original town plan covered one square mile. Stores were strung along Main Street with homes spreading out in a grid from there. Industrial buildings were located along the new railroad and the St. Vrain River. One of the first priorities of Longmont settlers was to bring water to the land. They engineered and constructed several large irrigation ditches to carry river water to their fields and orchards and to meet the ever-growing needs of new businesses and homes.

Longmont entered the 21st Century as a city of almost 85,000. Despite its growth, Longmontâs sense of self endures. Community leaders of today continue the tradition of looking far ahead to ensure that the Longmont economy thrives and is diversified. City leaders and staff work diligently to provide infrastructure and services not only sufficient for today's needs, but equal to tomorrowâs as well. Legions of dedicated individuals volunteer their time, talents and expertise to sustain and advance the many recreational, cultural and social amenities of the city. Those amenities are further enhanced by the areaâs natural beauty and matchless climate.

As always, Longmont offers new beginnings. The local employment base is unique, there is high home ownership in the community, local schools post above average test scores, and there is a vast and highly accessible pool of support services.

Author: Erik Mason, Longmont Museum & Cultural Center