The Rich History of Longmont and Its Modern Transformation

 

Longmont’s Indigenous Roots and Early Exploration

For thousands of years, the land we now know as Longmont, Colorado, was home to Indigenous peoples whose cultures and traditions are deeply rooted in the area.

By the time European explorers arrived in the region, the Cheyenne, Lakota, Arapaho, Kiowa, and Comanche were the prominent tribes.

They followed the vast buffalo herds, which played a central role in their diets, trade, and spiritual practices.

Major Stephen H. Long and Early Explorers

In 1820, Major Stephen H. Long of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers led an expedition to map and survey the Great Plains.

His journey brought him to the edge of what is now the St. Vrain Valley, a region he noted for its striking geography.

Longs Peak, the tallest mountain visible from the area, was named in his honor. When Longmont was founded, it was also named after Major Long.

The Colorado Gold Rush

When gold fever swept Colorado in 1858, a wave of settlers and miners arrived, dramatically altering the region’s social and environmental fabric.

• The discovery of gold led to a massive influx of speculators

• Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes, who had treaties guaranteeing their land rights, faced increasing displacement

• In 1868, conflict culminated in the forced removal of Indigenous peoples to reservations in Wyoming and Oklahoma

This era marked the beginning of a dramatic transformation in the region, setting the stage for Longmont’s development while leaving an indelible impact on its Indigenous communities.

Founding of Longmont and Early Development

The Chicago-Colorado Colony

The story of Longmont’s founding begins in 1871 with an ambitious vision from a group of Chicago entrepreneurs.

These men formed the Chicago-Colorado Colony, a cooperative venture that aimed to establish a planned community in the fertile St. Vrain Valley.

The colony’s founders sold memberships, generating the funds needed to purchase land parcels for farming and urban development.

The chosen site spanned thousands of acres, and the colony’s planners approached the task with meticulous organization. Their vision included:

• A one-square-mile town plan centered on a grid layout.

• Main Street as the heart of commerce, surrounded by neatly arranged residential areas.

• Parks strategically placed to enhance community life and leisure.

By the summer of 1871, the new town was officially named Longmont, in honor of the nearby Longs Peak. Lumber, building materials, and residents were transported to the site, and construction began in earnest.

Within months, Longmont grew from a barren stretch of land into a thriving settlement with homes, businesses, and infrastructure.

What set Longmont apart from other boomtowns of the era was its emphasis on urban planning.

Unlike many haphazard mining settlements, Longmont was built with sustainability and community in mind. This forward-thinking approach laid the groundwork for a robust and enduring city.

Agricultural Foundation and Growth

From its earliest days, agriculture formed the backbone of Longmont’s economy and identity.

The area’s rich soil and sunny climate made it an ideal location for farming, but water was a crucial missing element.

To address this, local farmers and the colony worked together to build irrigation canals, transforming arid land into fertile fields. This innovation ensured a steady water supply, allowing crops to flourish.

One of the most transformative crops for Longmont was the sugar beet, introduced in the late 19th century.

The establishment of the Great Western Sugar Company in 1903 marked a turning point for the town’s economy. Sugar beets thrived in the region, thanks to the reliable irrigation system, and soon became a staple crop.

The agricultural boom attracted a diverse labor force, as workers from around the world came to Longmont seeking opportunities. Early immigrant groups included:

• Scandinavians: Farmers from Sweden, Norway, and Denmark who brought expertise in irrigation and farming techniques.

• Russian-Germans: Settlers who arrived in the early 1900s, contributing to the sugar beet industry.

• Latinos: Families from New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico who became integral to the agricultural workforce.

• Japanese immigrants: Initially employed in the sugar beet fields, many transitioned to vegetable farming, diversifying the local economy.

Flour mills, vegetable canneries, and other industries sprang up to support the growing community. By the early 20th century, Longmont had become a bustling agricultural hub.

Transformation Through the 20th Century

The Early 20th Century

The early 1900s were a time of rapid growth and change for Longmont. The town’s population steadily increased, doubling nearly every decade as new industries emerged and families settled in the area.

By 1910, Longmont’s population had reached over 4,000 residents, reflecting its growing reputation as a center for agriculture and small-town life.

The economic foundation of Longmont remained tied to farming and the industries supporting it. Flour mills, canneries, and the Great Western Sugar Company were vital to the local economy.

These businesses attracted a diverse group of workers, including immigrants from Scandinavia, Mexico, and Japan, whose contributions enriched Longmont’s culture.

However, not all changes were positive. In the 1920s, Longmont, like much of Colorado, faced the rise of the Ku Klux Klan.

The Klan gained control of the City Council in 1925, introducing discriminatory policies and constructing divisive projects, such as the unfinished Chimney Rock Dam.

By 1927, the people of Longmont had rejected the Klan’s influence, voting them out of office.

Longmont During the Great Depression and WWII

The Great Depression of the 1930s brought significant challenges to Longmont. The Dust Bowl wreaked havoc across the Great Plains, with drought and windstorms stripping away topsoil and devastating crops.

Many local farms struggled to survive, and the economy slowed as families faced financial hardship. Despite these struggles, Longmont residents demonstrated resilience, coming together to support one another through tough times.

The outbreak of World War II in 1941 brought new demands and opportunities for the community. With many of Longmont’s young men serving overseas, women stepped into roles in factories and offices, helping to keep the local economy running.

Agriculture, particularly sugar beet production, was deemed critical to the war effort.

To meet labor shortages, the federal government relocated Japanese-Americans from internment camps on the West Coast to work in Longmont’s sugar beet fields. Additionally, German and Italian prisoners of war contributed to the harvest.

These contributions helped Longmont endure wartime challenges and set the stage for post-war growth. By the end of the war, the town had proven its ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity.

Technology & Economic Transition

The 1950s and 1960s marked a significant shift in Longmont’s identity, as the town began moving away from its agricultural roots toward a high-tech economy.

One of the most impactful developments was the construction of the Button Rock Dam in 1969.

This project, located upstream on the North St. Vrain River, ensured a stable water supply for Longmont’s growing population and protected the town from devastating floods. The dam quickly became a symbol of the community’s foresight and commitment to sustainable growth.

Around the same time, Longmont became a hub for technological innovation. In 1962, the U.S. government established an air traffic control center in the area, bringing new jobs and attracting skilled workers.

Just three years later, IBM opened a massive facility near Longmont, cementing the region’s reputation as a center for technology and innovation.

This economic transition brought rapid population growth and transformed Longmont into a modern city.

By the end of the 20th century, Longmont had become a vibrant blend of its agricultural past and its high-tech future, a legacy that continues to shape the community today.

Modern Longmont: Resilience and Innovation

2013 Flood

In September 2013 floods struck across the Front Range, ending up as one of the most devastating natural disasters in the area’s recent memory.

The St. Vrain River and Left Hand Creek overflowed, submerging neighborhoods, damaging infrastructure, and displacing families. Homes and businesses were swept away, roads and bridges were destroyed.

The response, however, showcased the strength and determination of Longmont’s community. Emergency responders, city officials, and residents worked together to rebuild and restore the damaged areas.

Out of this disaster was born the Resilient St. Vrain Project, a comprehensive initiative designed to mitigate future flood risks while enhancing the river’s role in the community. The project’s focus is:

• Restoring natural river channels to better manage floodwaters.

• Building resilient infrastructure, such as reinforced bridges and levees.

• Enhancing public spaces along the river to create a balance between safety and recreation.

The project not only addressed the challenges of future flooding but also revitalized the St. Vrain River corridor, making it a more accessible and enjoyable part of Longmont’s landscape.

NextLight and Digital Advancements

In the mid-2010s, Longmont entered a new era of technological innovation with the launch of NextLight, the city’s municipal broadband internet service.

Established between 2014 and 2016, NextLight was designed to provide high-speed, affordable internet to all residents and businesses.

NextLight quickly gained recognition as one of the fastest broadband services in the nation, solidifying Longmont’s place as a leader in digital infrastructure.

The service not only connected households but also spurred economic development, attracting businesses that relied on reliable, high-speed connectivity.

Benefits of NextLight included:

• Affordable, gigabit-speed internet for residents and businesses.

• Support for remote work and online education, particularly valuable during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• A competitive edge in attracting tech-focused companies to the area.

The success of NextLight reflects Longmont’s forward-thinking approach to building a community ready for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

Longmont Today

Today, Longmont is a thriving city that balances its rich cultural heritage with modern innovation.

With a population surpassing 100,000 residents, the city continues to grow while maintaining its welcoming, small-town feel.

Residents enjoy access to world-class amenities, from outdoor recreation along the St. Vrain River to vibrant arts and cultural events.

In 2021, Longmont celebrated its 150th anniversary with a landmark moment: the signing of a Sister City agreement with the Northern Arapaho Nation. This historic partnership, the first of its kind between a city and a sovereign nation, honors Longmont’s Indigenous roots and commitment to reconciliation.

Modern Longmont thrives on a spirit of innovation and inclusivity. Whether you’re exploring its revitalized downtown, enjoying its advanced digital infrastructure, or reflecting on its storied past, Longmont continues to be a city shaped by its people and their vision for a brighter future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How did Longmont get its name?

Longmont is named after Longs Peak, the towering mountain visible from the city. The name honors Major Stephen H. Long, an explorer who led an expedition to the region in 1820. His exploration of the St. Vrain Valley left an indelible mark, and the settlers who founded Longmont in 1871 chose to commemorate his contributions by naming the town after the peak.

When was Longmont founded?

Longmont was officially founded in 1871 by the Chicago-Colorado Colony, a group of visionary settlers from Chicago. They selected the fertile St. Vrain Valley as the site for a new community. By carefully planning the layout, including Main Street, parks, and residential areas, they established a thriving town that quickly grew into a vibrant hub for agriculture and commerce.

What is Longmont, Colorado known for?

Longmont is celebrated for its rich history, agricultural heritage, and innovative spirit. From its roots in farming—especially the cultivation of sugar beets—to its modern role as a leader in technology with advancements like NextLight broadband, Longmont has a legacy of resilience and growth. The city is also known for its connection to Longs Peak, its strong sense of community, and its outdoor recreation opportunities along the St. Vrain River.