Black Hawk’s HARD DISTRICT

FOUNDER’S DAY

SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2026

11 am – 7 pm

Welcome to Black Hawk’s HARD DISTRICT! Get lost in the history of this old mining town. This history appreciation and recreation destination (HARD) DISTRICT for Black Hawk features the best place to find good food, fun shops and exciting events. Whether you are spending the day hiking, biking the mountain trails or enjoying Gregory Street Plaza, Black Hawk’s HARD DISTRICT has something for everyone.

The HARD DISTRICT is located on Gregory Street in Black Hawk, Colorado!

OUR HISTORY

Black Hawk began with a monumental gold strike in 1859 sparking decades of economic growth and opportunity for westward travelers. The excitement around the lode gold took Black Hawk from a small mining camp to a bustling town over just a few short years.

In the summer of 1860, Mylo Lee, Dr. Frederick Judd and William Lee established the town of Black Hawk Point, still a part of the Kansas territory. After Colorado was given statehood in 1864, Black Hawk was incorporated in the third session of the state legislature. This officially made Black Hawk Colorado’s second city.

Black Hawk endured the boom-bust cycles of gold strikes, coal mining and stamp mills, gaining a reputation as a land of prosperity. In modern times, Black Hawk looks much the same as it did. Preserving this history, Black Hawk shares the rich stories and treasure of the people who made the west.

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NEWS

BLACK HAWK HISTORY – MAIN STREET

“A sudden turn in the road discloses a view of Black Hawk, with its charming church perched above the town, on the extremity of the headland which separates Gregory Gulch from that of Clear Creek. We at once entered a busy, noisy, thickly populated region. The puff of steam, the dull thump of the stamp […]

BLACK HAWK HISTORY – FIRE DEPARTMENT

Miracuously, the town of Black Hawk was spared the devastating fires that destroyed many early mining camps. “As we go to press (2 a.m.) a terrible fire is raging on the mountains north and east of Black Hawk. At one time it was thought the lower portion of the city of Black Hawk was in […]

BLACK HAWK HISTORY – FLOODS

Mining activities, the construction of mills, homes and access roads, together with the tremendous use of wood for fuel deforested the surrounding hillsides and caused frequent flooding in Black Hawk. MAIN STREET RAIL “Mayor Grutzmacher and County Commissioner Joseph Borzago went down to Denver, Monday last to see the railroad officials, and to get their […]

BLACK HAWK HISTORY – BUSINESS

Businesses flourish in the late 1800s as the population of BlackHawk peaks with a population of 2,000. Latest by Telegraph! Black Hawk Taken. John Armor Evacuates! Martin & Robb in Possession!“Men, women and children are deserting their homes, and rushing to the store of Martin & Robb, to buy Dry Goods, Clothing, Hats and Caps, […]

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The Future

To preserve its history, Black Hawk keeps their eyes on the future. Black Hawk’s HARD DISTRICT was created to be a pedestrian-friendly plaza with shopping, dining, art, entertainment and outdoor recreation. The HARD DISTRICT stands for the History Appreciation and Recreation Destination District. Black Hawk’s HARD DISTRICT is located on Gregory Street Plaza with shops residing in historic buildings, and each is a tapestry of Black Hawk’s history. This fusion of history with modern arts and entertainment makes Black Hawk a one-of-a-kind destination with something new to see behind every door.