Black Hawk making plans for U.S., state celebrations
Eight-foot-tall
statues of
donors since then.”
Among the judge’s favorite initia-
tives sponsored by the commission are
this from the viewpoint of our shared history,” ac-
cording to Jackson. “We’re looking at this as everyday
Coloradoans. The first major event we had was back
in September, when we had a drone show at a Univer-
sity of Colorado football game in Boulder. There will
be another 40 to 60 drone shows throughout Colora-
do this year. We have 64 counties in the state and we
want to have 40 to 60 drone shows, so people in every
county in Colorado will be within a 100-mile distance
of a drone show location. About two or three minutes of
each drone show will include showing the history of that
particular area.”
white and blue. In addition, red,
white, and blue burlap patriotic
bunting will adorn the railings
area a more historical, nineteenth-
century look. This burlap bunting will
give Black Hawk a distinctive flair, once
others will commemorate this great na-
tion’s 250th Anniversary.”
the “14ers Climbs” and the “Passport”
Senior Reporter
The City of Black Hawk plans to showcase its
patriotic spirit this summer.
Jackson said the anniversary will
include a challenge for people to climb
as many 14,000-foot mountains in the
state as possible during the year. “I’m
sure there are quite a few of them in the
Gilpin County area that people will be
coming to,” he noted.
The Colorado Digital Passport program
invites people to visit selected museums, restau-
rants and other attractions. By visiting these places,
participants will earn points to redeem for rewards, badges and
exclusive offers. “Right now, we’re trying to determine which
places will be part of the digital passport program,” Jackson
noted.
installed
around
Gregory
Mayor David Spellman said ideas are being
discussed about how the city will participate in the
America 250-Colorado 150 events this summer. “For
Plaza later
this year,
giving
people a
chance to
take patriotic
selfies.
America’s semiquincentennial, Black Hawk has
purchased fiberglass figures, similar to the Hal-
loween and Christmas figures that so many
Black Hawk is expected to host its
annual Founders’ Day in late June. The
family-friendly celebration features ac-
tivities and exhibits. The event honors
William L. Lee, Dr. Frederick H. Judd,
of Black Hawk Point in June 1860,
about 13 months after prospector
John H. Gregory discovered gold
in the area. Once the community
was established, the Third Session of
the Colorado
Black Hawk on March 11, 1864. It was the second incorporated city
– behind Denver – in the Territory of Colorado, which became the
nation’s 38th state in 1876.
residents and visitors enjoyed in the Gregory
Jackson said he doesn’t know if a drone show will be spon-
sored by any Gilpin County group this year. However, if that
doesn’t happen, county residents can attend one being planned
for 2026 in Boulder and other neighboring counties. “What
should get people excited is that there can be events and vari-
ous projects in communities around the state that will focus on
our history. It’s my understanding that the Belvidere Theater
renovation (in Central City) has received money from one of the
donors who is contributing to the Colorado 150 celebration. To
date, the commission has raised $6 million [toward] the proj-
ects. The state legislature started us off with $500,000 in seed
money. However, we’ve obtained many major sponsors and
Street HARD District. One is an eight-foot-
tall Uncle Sam statue, and the other is an
eight-foot-tall Statue of Liberty.”
Photos
courtesy of
ums, such as Nathan Richie of the Golden History Museum.
There are individuals who represent the military, the disabled
and other communities. There are now 23 commissioners.
Spellman said he wants the list of things
for visitors and residents to do this year to
continue growing in Black Hawk. “We hope to add
to the lineup of fiberglass patriotic-themed items.
Perhaps Uncle Sam will be seated on a Black
Hawk bench, ready for a photo with his fellow
Americans. Or the Liberty Bell may appear on the
the City
of Black
* * *
When Jackson was appointed, there were 15 commission
slots on the America 250-Colorado 150 organization. “There is a
person on the commission affiliated with the state tourism com-
mission,” Jackson explained. “We have Dick Monfort (owner of
the Colorado Rockies), who is affiliated with the philanthropic
community. There are also representatives from various muse-
“I represent the Black communities of Colorado, from Fort
Collins to the San Luis Valley, from Gunnison to Sterling. I
think the governor appointed me because I’ve been around
for 80 years, so I know a little bit about Colorado,” said Jack-
son, with a chuckle in his voice.
Gregory Plaza,” he explained.
For additional information about the America 250-Colo-
The town will also receive a red, white and blue
makeover as part of the forthcoming festivities. The
rado 150 Commission and its growing
list of activities, visit historycolorado.
org/colorado-150 . A master online
calendar will also be added to the
website.
