Montana City

Montana City holds a notable place in Colorado history as the earliest known settlement on the site that would grow into Denver. Founded in 1858 during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush, it took shape on the east bank of the South Platte River, just above where Little Dry Creek joins it. At the time of its founding, the land fell under Kansas Territory jurisdiction, predating Colorado's existence as a territory or state.

Today there is little to see on the ground — no standing structures or preserved townsite marks the location. The area has long since been absorbed into the urban fabric of the Denver metro. Visitors drawn by the history will find the experience more contemplative than scenic, a matter of standing near a river confluence and considering how much has changed since 1858.