background Denver and the Southern Rocky Mountains

[Essence]

The Southern Rocky Mountains, a majestic and geologically rich region, is a testament to the Earth's dynamic past. This area, encompassing parts of Colorado, has been shaped by a series of geological events that began over 300 million years ago. The history of the region has significantly shaped its cultural identity and traditions, blending the rich tapestry of Native American heritage with the influences of European settlers and modern-day innovations.

The region's cultural identity is deeply rooted in its Native American past. The Ancestral Pueblo culture, known for its multistory cliff dwellings, left a lasting impact on Colorado's cultural landscape. The Mesa Verde National Park, for example, is a testament to this ancient civilization, showcasing the sophisticated architecture and lifestyle of the Anasazi people. The influence of Native American culture on Colorado is evident in the state's place-names, folktales, music, dances, food, and artwork, which have enriched the English vocabulary and American culture.

From the time of ancient indigenous peoples who roamed these lands, leaving behind traces of their existence etched into the rocky crags, to the arrival of European explorers and settlers seeking fortune and adventure, the Southern Rockies have been a realm of both sanctuary and challenge. These towering sentinels, with their snow-capped summits and cascading waterfalls, have beckoned intrepid souls to explore their hidden depths and conquer their formidable heights.

The history of the Southern Rockies is etched with tales of daring exploits and monumental achievements. It was here that legendary figures like Zebulon Pike and John C. Frémont embarked on perilous journeys of discovery, charting uncharted territories and mapping the unexplored wilderness. It was a land of opportunity for miners and prospectors, drawn by the promise of riches hidden deep within the earth, and a haven for outlaws and renegades seeking refuge amidst the rugged isolation of the mountains.

But amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Southern Rockies lies a complex tapestry of human experience, shaped by triumph and tragedy, conquest and conflict. The clash of cultures between indigenous peoples and European settlers left scars upon the land, while the relentless pursuit of wealth and progress exacted a toll upon the fragile ecosystems that sustain life in this harsh yet fragile environment.

At lower elevations, the climate is predominantly arid or semi-arid, characterized by low rainfall and high temperatures. The arid climates support species adapted to low water availability, such as the pronghorn antelope, the sage grouse, and the desert tortoise. These species have evolved to conserve water and find food in the sparse vegetation. As one ascends the mountains, the climate becomes more humid, with higher rainfall and lower temperatures, supporting a broader range of species such as elk and deer - hunted by more dangerous predators such as wolves and bears; plant-life is also more varied, including conifers, deciduous trees, and various wildflowers. The alpine tundra, found at the highest elevations, is home to a variety of plant species adapted to the short growing season and the harsh winter conditions like marmots or other invertebrates.
 

---

Transitioning from the untamed wilderness of the mountains, one arrives at the vibrant urban landscape of Denver, Colorado. As the largest metropolitan area in the region, Denver is a city that has evolved from its humble beginnings as a mining camp during the Colorado Gold Rush to become a vibrant and dynamic metropolis. Located on the banks of the South Platte River, close to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Denver was founded in November 1858. Initially, the city was established as a gold mining town, but the gold quickly dried up, and Denver transitioned into a supply hub for new mines in the mountains. This strategic location made Denver a hub for transportation, with investors from Denver building a rail line from Cheyenne to western Kansas, which passed through Denver, bringing new people and supplies. The city grew rapidly, becoming the new county seat of Arapahoe County and eventually the state capital. The early twentieth century saw further improvements to rail and air travel, making Denver a significant transportation hub.

Denver's economic base was primarily dependent on the processing and shipping of minerals and ranch products until World War II. However, with the war looming, Denver's strategic location made it an ideal location for more federal activity, being situated far from either coast. After the war, oil and gas companies fueled a skyscraper boom in the downtown area, with the combined spending of the energy companies and the federal government, Denver expanded quickly. The city went from having a small urban core surrounded by rural farms to a booming downtown dotted with skyscrapers and surrounded by growing suburbs.

Before the outbreak, Denver was the economic and political heart of Colorado, home to the state’s major institutions of government and commerce. Its transportation networks have opened the mountain barrier to allow for settlement and trade, and it has become a hub for the Front Range Megalopolis. Denver continues to be the gateway and major metropolis of Colorado, serving as a point of contact between Colorado and the wider world. The city's rich history and its strategic location at the intersection of the plains and the mountains have made it a natural center for decision-making and a place where new programs and ideas typically spread outward through the public agencies and private organizations that have Denver headquarters.

As the largest city of a vast region between the Missouri River and the Pacific states, Denver serves as a transportation, industrial, and commercial hub and is a center of high-technology industries. Major businesses include telecommunications, aviation and aerospace, software, financial and business services, and health care. Tourism is a primary economic factor, with manufactures including electronics, computer equipment, rubber products, luggage, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and packaging.  The Denver branch of the U.S. Mint produces about half of circulating U.S. coinage and is the nation’s second-largest gold depository. Denver International Airport, one of the country’s largest, opened in 1995 and is located about 23 miles northwest of the city.

In the aftermath of the outbreak, Denver has transformed into a concrete corpse, its streets echoing with the silence of the countless swarms of the dead; nearby suburbs like Aurora and Westminster having turned into ghost-towns. The city, once a beacon of life and activity, now stands as a haunting reminder of the past, its once bustling streets now devoid of the vibrant energy that once defined it.