Battle of Backbone Mountain

The City of Sheridan is a home rule municipality located in Arapahoe County, Colorado, United States. Sheridan is a part of the Denver–Aurora–Lakewood, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 6,105 at the 2020 census.[8]

Geography

Sheridan is located at 39°38′56″N 105°1′4″W / 39.64889°N 105.01778°W / 39.64889; -105.01778 (39.648920, -105.017681).[10]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.3 square miles (5.9 km2), of which 2.2 square miles (5.7 km2) is land and 0.077 square miles (0.2 km2), or 2.91%, is water.[11]

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note
1900442
191049812.7%
1920455−8.6%
193058729.0%
194071221.3%
19501,715140.9%
19603,559107.5%
19704,78734.5%
19805,37712.3%
19904,976−7.5%
20005,60012.5%
20105,6641.1%
20206,1057.8%
U.S. Decennial Census

Brief history

Sheridan was originally part of the Indian Territory and has always been a small community. The first white settler of what would become Sheridan was John McBroom in the spring of 1859.[12] He homesteaded 160 acres (0.65 km2). The town was initially named Petersburg. McBroom built his first log cabin near Bear Creek which he later abandoned in 1866 when he married Emma J. Bennett. He prospered as a farmer and found a viable market in Denver for his goods. He was joined by his brother, Isaac McBroom, in June 1860, who also homesteaded a little over 160 acres (0.65 km2). The laying out of the town of Sheridan is credited to Isaac. He was also responsible for the name change from Petersburg to Sheridan. Isaac McBroom's cabin can be toured at the Littleton Historical Museum.

Another prominent figure in Sheridan's early history was Peter Magnes. Originally from Sweden, Magnes was a farmer who immigrated to the United States at the age of 26. In 1859, his first daughter was born on the banks of Cherry Creek. He also purchased 160 acres (0.65 km2) of land and built a small log cabin. In 1865 Magnes laid out the town of Petersburg and encouraged Swedish families to immigrate to his town. The town had a railroad, hotel, blacksmith, church, newspaper, post office and, of course, taverns.[13] The state of Colorado was formed in 1876, putting Sheridan within its new boundaries.

The Oxford/City of Sheridan light rail station

Citizens began moving toward incorporation of Sheridan in January 1890. There was some dispute among the petitioners about boundaries, and the final results were filed in February 1890. On April 14, 1890, the town of Sheridan was incorporated.[3]

Sheridan gets its name from U.S. Army General Philip H. Sheridan.[14] General Sheridan established Fort Logan, which was originally known as the "Camp close to Denver". It was on the site known as the Johnson Tract, south of the city, with a water supply, the proximity of the railroad, "available space for a parade ground, artesian well possibilities, the beautiful view and the distance from Denver and its saloons."[3] Because of the military post Sheridan continued to flourish. However, eventually the post was shut down, and it is now a mental health facility that borders Sheridan.

Sheridan has remained a community that continues to influence the surrounding areas, most recently with current redevelopment projects.

Education

The Sheridan School District operates area public schools.

Legend

Sheridan was the setting for the short-lived western TV series Legend. When the writers originally chose the name, they were not aware that the town of "Sheridan, Colorado" existed.[15] The show takes place in 1876, some time before Sheridan was incorporated.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Active Colorado Municipalities". State of Colorado, Colorado Department of Local Affairs, Division of Local Government. Retrieved January 27, 2021.
  2. ^ "Colorado Counties". State of Colorado, Colorado Department of Local Affairs, Division of Local Government. Retrieved January 27, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c Bonita Hutchenson (2002). "A History of Sheridan, Colorado". Sheridan Historical Society. Retrieved February 25, 2007.
  4. ^ "Colorado Municipal Incorporations". State of Colorado, Department of Personnel & Administration, Colorado State Archives. December 1, 2004. Retrieved September 2, 2007.
  5. ^ "Member Terms & Ward Maps". City of Sheridan, Colorado. Retrieved January 24, 2018.
  6. ^ "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 1, 2020.
  7. ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  8. ^ a b United States Census Bureau. "Sheridan city; Colorado". Retrieved April 29, 2023.
  9. ^ "ZIP Code Lookup" (JavaScript/HTML). United States Postal Service. Retrieved January 1, 2008.
  10. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  11. ^ "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Sheridan city, Colorado". U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved May 6, 2013.
  12. ^ Hulse, D. F. (2004). "Littleton History: Biographies, McBroom Family". City of Littleton. Retrieved February 25, 2007.
  13. ^ Dorward, R. (2004). "Littleton History: Biographies, Peter Magnes". City of Littleton. Retrieved February 25, 2007.
  14. ^ "General Philip Henry Sheridan". Sheridan Historical Society. 2001. Retrieved February 25, 2007.
  15. ^ Source: E-mail from Bill Dial, co-creator, dated 1996

External links