The History of Black Hawk

Black Hawk, Colorado began as a small mining camp as a part of Gregory Diggings. Gold was found in 1859, sparking a rush to the area which was still a part of the Kansas Territory. Miners flocked to the camp in the hopes of striking it rich, and the mining population quickly grew. The following year, in June of 1860, Black Hawk was incorporated by William Lee, Mylo Lee and Dr. Frederick Judd. It became the second city in the newly sanctioned Colorado Territory (15 years before Colorado became a U.S. state).

The city of Black Hawk recognizes the vital role it has played in the founding of Colorado and works still to preserve and display that history. Gregory Street, named after the original mining camp, is now home to Black Hawk’s HARD (History Appreciation and Recreation Destination) District.

Founders’ Day Celebration

Our 3rd annual Founders’ Day Celebration returns on June 28, 2025, from 11am-7pm, at the Gregory Street Plaza in Black Hawk’s HARD District. Join us for great shopping, exciting live music, delicious food, a custom, local-brewed commemorative Founders’ Day Beer, local artisan vendors, mining and historical activities, and more!

Live Music: The Founders’ Day Celebration will feature live music throughout the day! Stay tuned for links and schedule to be announced soon!

Dining: Food trucks and dining options are coming from all over the area! Stay tuned for the lineup to be announced soon! And don’t forget that Black Hawk’s HARD District already has some great dining options, including JKQ BBQ in the former Crook’s Palace! Don’t miss our local favorites!

Drinks: This year’s Founders’ Day Celebration will feature a great brew from Tommyknocker Brewery (while supplies last), served throughout the event! In addition, be sure to check out featured specialty drinks from:

• Distillery options (lineup to-be-announced);
• JKQ BBQ and bar at Crook’s Palace;
• Mountain Poppy’s Wine Bar on the Plaza; and
• More!

Local Vendors: It wouldn’t be a proper Founders’ Day if we didn’t showcase some of the best goods made and available in Black Hawk. With an expansive market on the Gregory Street Plaza in addition to our HARD District retail options, you can shop for:

• Jewelry
• Bath and body products
• Ceramics and pottery
• Painting and Illustration
• Home décor
• Crystals
• Fiber arts
• And more!

Things to Do

There’s a ton to do in and around Black Hawk’s HARD District, including shopping, dining, hiking, biking and tons of other recreational activities, but Founders’ Day brings a few notable additions!

Enjoy:

• Free gold panning
• Live rock drilling demonstrations
• Photo booth
• Late 1800’s costumes
• Crafts for the kids
• Corn hole
• And more!

Come celebrate the rich history of Black Hawk in the HARD District. We can’t wait to see you there on June 28th!