Learn about the History of Loveland, CO

The Lakes at Centerra offers some of the most innovative new homes in Loveland, CO, with all the amenities and conveniences of a modern neighborhood. Adding even more depth and flavor to the community, The Lakes is nestled in a town with a rich and colorful history. For those exploring what living in Loveland is like, you may be curious to take a deeper dive into Loveland, CO historical information.

Loveland as we know it today began to take form in the mid-1860s, when early settlers in the Big Thompson Valley began to use irrigation methods for farming. This caused a large influx of growth to the region, and in 1867 a man named Andrew Douty relocated his flourmill to the Big Thompson Valley. When Douty began printing “St. Louis” on his flour bags, the settlement adopted the name Old St. Louis.

1870 was a big year for the valley, when David Barnes and his family purchased 320 acres of land. Barnes donated part of his land to make way for a railroad, which quickly became the lifeblood of the young town. Despite residents insisting the new town be called Barnesville, Barnes himself declined and named the town after his good friend, W.A.H. Loveland, who was the president of the Colorado Central Railroad.

Loveland was incorporated as a town in 1881, and J.H. Aldrich was appointed as the first mayor. In the early 1900’s, the Great Western Sugar Company built a factory in Loveland that became a stronghold for the town’s economy and employment. As the economy grew, by the 1920’s Spring Glade Orchard had become the largest cherry orchard west of the Mississippi River, producing over $1 million worth of cherries each year.

One of today’s favorite Loveland traditions was born in 1947, when the postmaster and chamber of commerce president came up with the idea for the “Loveland Valentine Re-Mailing Program.” Playing on the city’s unique name, every February the program lets sweethearts from across the country send valentines through Loveland to be stamped with an official Loveland postmark.

Today opportunities in Loveland continue to evolve; however, you can still experience the rich past by walking through historic downtown. You can find even more details about Loveland, CO historical information by visiting the Loveland Chamber of Commerce website.

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