Arapahoe County is located in north-central Colorado, extending east across the high plains from the southern tip of Denver. It is named after the Arapaho, who once inhabited the area and is one of the oldest counties in the state. With a population of more than 572,000, it is the third most populated county in Colorado. Most of the county's inhabitants live in the southern Denver metropolitan area, in the communities of Aurora, Englewood, and Littleton; while the eastern part of the county is mainly comprised of farms, ranches, and smaller cities such as Byers and Bennett.
In 1861, a reservation was established in southeastern Colorado for the Cheyenne and Arapaho, but by then the Indian bands were divided between those in favor of cooperating with the whites and those in favor of resisting them. The unprovoked massacre of more than 150 peaceful Arapaho and Cheyenne at Sand Creek in 1864 triggered more than a decade of war between the U. S. military and resulted in an alliance of Arapaho, Cheyenne, Lakota, and other Plains Indians.
In 1867, the Medicine Lodge Treaty established the Cheyenne-Arapaho Reservation in central Oklahoma. At first, Littleton was considered the temporary seat of Arapahoe County; an election in 1904 secured it as the permanent seat. Like many other rural areas outside major American cities, Arapahoe County experienced rapid growth after World War II when housing developments emerged that led to its suburbanization. As their communities grew, Arapahoe County residents also knew that they would probably have to decide whether they should join Denver or remain independent. In 1972, Arapahoe County sued Denver, arguing that it should provide water to its residents even if they did not live within the city limits. The western neighborhood of Arapahoe County is currently home to the expanding Denver metropolitan area with many subdivisions, parks, and businesses.
In the early 19th century, this area was inhabited by Cheyenne and Arapaho peoples who chased herds of bison and small game through its short-grass prairies. After Kansas was admitted to the union in 1861, Arapahoe County was downsized and named one of the first seventeen counties in the new Colorado Territory. The combination of Sumner's victory and the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 allowed for investigation into so-called gold strikes. The series of annexation disputes between Arapahoe and Denver counties finally ended in 1974 when the Poundstone Amendment to the state constitution froze Denver's boundaries. After this amendment was passed, agriculture and ranching became the backbone of eastern Arapahoe County while cities continued to develop around Denver.
During this time Republican legislators in Arapahoe County were part of the main opposition to multiple efforts to create an “urban county” that would have assimilated Littleton and Aurora to Denver. Arapahoe County is home to many historical sites that are worth exploring. From its early inhabitants to its gold rush days to its modern suburbanization, there are many stories to be told about this unique county. Visitors can explore sites such as Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site which commemorates one of America's darkest days or visit Byers-Evans House Museum which offers a glimpse into life during Colorado's territorial period. Arapahoe County has a rich history that is worth discovering. From its original inhabitants to its gold rush days to its modern suburbanization, there are many stories to be told about this unique county.
Visitors can explore sites such as Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site which commemorates one of America's most tragic events or visit Byers-Evans House Museum which provides an insight into life during Colorado's territorial period. The historical sites located throughout Arapahoe County offer visitors a unique opportunity to learn about its past. Visitors can explore sites such as Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site which commemorates one of America's most devastating massacres or visit Byers-Evans House Museum which provides an insight into life during Colorado's territorial period. Arapahoe County has a long history that is worth exploring. Visitors can explore sites such as Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site which commemorates one of America's darkest days or visit Byers-Evans House Museum which offers a glimpse into life during Colorado's territorial period. Visiting Arapahoe County's historical sites is an excellent way for visitors to learn about its past. Visitors can explore sites such as Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site which commemorates one of America's most tragic events or visit Byers-Evans House Museum which provides an insight into life during Colorado's territorial period.
