Erie
Colorado
Town Of Erie
History:
Prior to the 1870s and the development of the northern coal fields, settlers living along Coal Creek eked out their living as farmers or merchants. The few communities existing along the Front Range were miles apart by stagecoach or horseback.
Throughout the 1860s, stagecoach companies delivered freight, mail and passengers to destinations along the foothills. The Overland Stage traveled from Denver to Laramie each day, following much the same route as the present U.S. Highway 287. Contact with distant friends and relatives improved with the coming of the railroad to Erie in 1871. Even after its arrival, however, travelers heading to Longmont had to continue on by stagecoach or spring wagon. Those bound for Boulder detrained at the Erie terminal and boarded a stage for the final destination.
Social interaction among early settlers was limited, and families traveled great distances to attend church, school or grange meetings. Many relied on circuit-riding preachers to bring them the gospel once or twice a month. Such a man was Reverend Richard Van Valkenburg, civic leader and a founder of Erie, Colorado. Having spent many years as a Methodist preacher in the coal towns near Erie, Pennsylvania, the Reverend thought it fitting to bestow that name on its western counterpart.
The original plat for Erie was filed in 1871, following establishment of the Briggs Mine, the first commercial coal mine in Weld County. Until that time, surface coal had been delivered to its customers by horse and wagon.
It was also in 1871 that the Union Pacific Railroad extended a spur westward from Brighton on its main line between Denver and Cheyenne. Coal from the Erie deposits was needed to fuel their huge steam locomotives. The Boulder Valley Railroad, as it was called then, opened up the northern coal fields for development. Soon coal from Erie mines was being shipped by rail to markets in Denver and as far east ask Kansas City.
The Town of Erie was incorporated in 1874.
Recent News
Town Of Erie News : Thursday, March 16! SROs present, 'Teen Substance Abuse and SocialMedia'
Erie Police Department is committed to educating parents on what they need to know when it comes to teen use of drugs, alcohol, vaping, and social media in Erie schools. Details Thursday, March 16, 2023 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. Erie Police…
Read More »Town Of Erie Weekly Update - February 27, 2023
Revitalization Grants: Round 5 to Open on March 1 The Town of Erie Urban Renewal Authority (URA) offers tax increment financing funds to award grants to commercial properties in the urban renewal area, to improve their external appearance. …
Read More »Town Of Erie Weekly Update - February 21, 2023
Breeding Season: Be Coyote Aware Prime time for coyote calling is upon us. Coyotes are more aggressive and more apt to respond to the right sounds in February and March. Alphas are protecting their space while roaming males are searching for a…
Read More »Town Of Erie Weekly Update - February 13, 2023
Town of Erie Awarded $55,000 Grant The Town of Erie is proud to announce that we have been awarded $55,000 from the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) to support our project, Racial Equity Advancement through Community Partnerships…
Read More »Town Of Erie Awarded $55K Grant To Support Equitable Business Ownership
The Town of Erie is proud to announce that we have been awarded $55,000 from the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) to support our project, Racial Equity Advancement through Community Partnerships & Economic Development (Erie Racial…
Read More »Town Of Erie Weekly Update - February 7, 2023
Town Of Erie Weekly Update - February 7, 2023 For the Victims: Volunteers in Training This month, 11 Erie volunteers began a 40-hour training to become victim advocates. The regional training was spearheaded by Erie Police’s Victim…
Read More »Town of Erie Weekly Update - January 31, 2023
Public Art Installation Approved by Board of Trustees On Tuesday, Jan. 24, the Board of Trustees approved the concept for a new, vibrant art piece, the first installation in Erie for the Public Art Group. In total, 105 artists applied to have…
Read More »Town of Erie -Awarded Colorado PIO of the Year
In a ceremony on December 12, 2022, the Emergency Services Public Information Officers of Colorado (ESPIOC) recognized the Erie Police Department’s Public Information Officer (PIO), Amber Luttrell, with ‘PIO of the Year 2022’ for…
Read More »Town Of Erie News : Public Art Installation Approved by Board of Trustees
On Tuesday, Jan. 24, the Board of Trustees approved the design for a new, vibrant art piece, the first installation in Erie for the Public Art Group. Art is a representation of the community, and it was important to create a resident-led volunteer…
Read More »Town of Erie Weekly Update - January 23, 2023
2023 Turf Replacement Program is Open for Applications If you are hoping to save money on your water bill, reduce outdoor water use, and beautify your yard with Colorado native plants and landscaping, the Town of Erie would love to help! Our Turf…
Read More »Space is Limited! Police Community Academy
The nine-week academy meets Wednesday nights from 6-9 p.m. at the Erie Police Department beginning March 1. The academy is designed to provide a medium for community members to understand why police do the things they do, encourage community…
Read More »Town Of Erie Police Department News - Teen Substance Abuse and Social Media
Teen Substance Abuse and Social Media Erie Police School Resource Officers invite caregivers of teens to an informal session to address substance use and social media on Thursday, January 19, at 5:30 p.m. at the Erie Police Department. …
Read More »Town Of Erie Weekly Update - January 9, 2023
Elevate Erie: Share Your Ideas for the Future with a Vision & Values Survey The Town of Erie wants to hear from you! The Elevate Erie Comprehensive Plan + Transportation Mobility Plan process is underway, and the project team has launched the…
Read More »Town Of Erie : Lets Taco Bout It
Join us for "Lets Taco Bout It" on Wednesday, January 18, from 5-6 p.m. at Wapos in Erie for tacos and conversation. Stop by and engage in any important topic of conversation. Erie Police will treat you to a taco and thank you for your…
Read More »Town Of Erie News - Space is Limited! Police Community Academy
Space is Limited! Police Community Academy The nine-week academy meets Wednesday nights from 6-9 p.m. at the Erie Police Department beginning March 1. The academy is designed to provide a medium for community members to understand why…
Read More »Town Of Erie Weekly Update - January 3, 2023
Celebrating 15 Years of Fun at the Erie Community Center Time flies when you’re connecting to fun! It’s hard to believe it’s been 15 YEARS since the Erie Community Center opened the doors to visitors thanks to generous support…
Read More »Town Of Erie Parks And Recreation : 15 Years Of Fun At The Erie Community Center
Time flies when you’re connecting to fun! It’s hard to believe it’s been 15 YEARS since the Erie Community Center opened its doors thanks to generous support from the Erie community. Help us celebrate this milestone with: - Free…
Read More »Town Of Erie : A Look Ahead - 2023 Strategic Plan
The Erie Police Department is committed to serving and protecting our community with honor. The cornerstone of that mission is our vision: to be highly trained professionals. The goals for 2023 are as follows: 1) Safety and Crime Prevention 2)…
Read More »Town Of Erie Weekly Update - December 27, 2022
Town Administrative Functions Closed Dec. 30 and Jan. 2 Town Hall and other administrative facilities will be closed on Friday, Dec. 30 and Monday, Jan. 2, 2023 in observance of New Years. This closure does not include any 24/7 public safety…
Read More »Town Of Erie - Employee Of The Year 2022
Employee of the Year 2022 Chief Stewart Announces Officer Newman as Employee of the Year The Erie Police Department is pleased to announce the 2022 Employee of the Year, Officer Branin Newman. Among his many deserving qualities is his exceptional…
Read More »Town Of Erie : Xcel Outage Near Nine Mile Affecting 1,800 And Customers
EPD is aware of the Xcel outage affecting more than 1,800 customers, including some in the southwest corner of Erie. Xcel reports restoration by 8:45 p.m. Please check on your neighbors, and call us at 303-441-4444 if you need us. The Erie…
Read More »Town Of Erie News - Lets Taco Bout It
Lets Taco Bout It Join us for "Lets Taco Bout It" on Wednesday, January 18, from 5-6 p.m. at Wapos in Erie for tacos and conversation. Stop by and engage in any important topic of conversation. Erie Police will treat you to a taco and thank you…
Read More »Town Of Erie News - Wildfire Northwest of Boulder
Wildfire Northwest of Boulder The Erie Police Department is aware of a wildfire northwest of Boulder. There is NO impact to Erie at this time. We are closely monitoring the situation, providing assistance, and will provide new information as it…
Read More »Town Of Erie Weekly Update - December 19, 2022
Town Administrative Functions Closed Dec. 23 and Dec. 26 Town Hall and other administrative facilities will be closed on Friday, Dec. 23 and Monday, Dec. 26 in observance of Christmas. This closure does not include any 24/7 public safety services…
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