Denver History

The Library has a wide range of resources for researching and documenting Denver History including: Many City Records, Newspapers, Maps, Books, Directories, Photographs, and Special Collections of archival materials. For information on researching the history of a Denver building see the Denver Building History Tutorial and Denver Building History Resources Guide.

Research Tools

Denver City Directories

Denver City Directories date from 1873-1923, though there are some years that are not digitized, and are arranged by name of resident or business name. Many also list occupations. 

Denver Grantor Grantee Records

Denver Grantor Grantee Records

The Grantor Grantee deed books are the legal documentation concerning property transfers. These may give additional information about the property transfer.

1859 - 1860: Grantee and Grantor

1859 - 1861:  Grantee

1861 - 1867: Grantee Book 1, Grantee Book 2 and Grantor

1867 - 1868: Grantee and Grantor

1870 - 1872: Grantee and Grantor

1872 - 1874: Grantee and Grantor

1874 - 1875: Grantee and Grantor

1875 - 1877: Grantee and Grantor

1877 - 1878: Grantee and Grantor

1880 - 1881: Grantee and Grantor Book 1, Grantor Book 2

1881 May - Dec.: Grantee and Grantor

1882 Jan. - Sept.: Grantee and Grantor

1882 Oct. - 1883 June: Grantee and Grantor

1883 July - Dec.: Grantee and Grantor

1884: Grantee and Grantor

Denver Householder Directories

Denver Householder Directories date from 1924-1937, and are arranged by address and show owners, residents, and business names.

Denver Municipal Facts

Published by the City and County of Denver from 1909 until 1931 the Denver Municipal Facts contains a wealth of general information about the City of Denver, from politics and elections to sewer lines and public health.

Foundation Stones

"Lest We Forget

The ox team; the covered wagon; the long trek; the hair-breadth escape from hostile Indians; the log house; the forts for defence [sic]; the many privations, these brief personal sketches will remind us of our obligation to the Old Pioneer"

Auraria History and Tour

This document contains a transcription of a history and Auraria neighborhood description, presumably written by William N. Byers. It was first published in January and February 1860 editions of the Rocky Mountain News Weekly.