Ah, Colfax Avenue… what do you know about this notorious Denver street? Let me guess; you know about its reputation for cheap drugs, cheaper hookers, and strip clubs galore, right? While Colfax is notorious for being the “Longest, Wickedest Street in America” (as per Hugh Hefner), there is a lot more to this famous Denver road, including:
1.) Colfax Avenue runs a whopping 26.1 miles, making it the longest continuous street in America.
Flickr/Jeffrey Beall
2.) While Colfax may be home to cheap and illegal thrills, it is also home to a large number of small and independent businesses, including mom and pop shops, and some of the most delicious locally-owned restaurants in the city.
Flickr / Erin Johnson
3.) Colfax appeared on maps (in the form of a dirt road) as early as 1868 and went on to become a busy trolley route toward the beginning of the 20th century.
History Colorado/88.662.18
4.) The street was originally called the “Golden Road,” but was later renamed in honor of Schuyler Colfax, who served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives around the time of Colorado’s conception.
Wikimedia Commons Fun fact: Colfax went on to be the Vice President under Ulysses S. Grant.
5.) Colfax Avenue (shown here in 1972) was first paved in 1916, introduced buses in 1928, and discontinued its pioneer trolley system in 1950.
Wikimedia Commons
6.) Finally, the popular Colfax Marathon – which runs through Aurora, Denver, and Lakewood – first debuted in 2006 with more than 6,000 participants!
Flickr/TheKilens
For even more fun Denver history, check out these 13 Things Everyone Remembers About Colorado In The 1990s!
Flickr/Jeffrey Beall
Flickr / Erin Johnson
History Colorado/88.662.18
Wikimedia Commons
Fun fact: Colfax went on to be the Vice President under Ulysses S. Grant.
Flickr/TheKilens
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
