The Birth of Colorado Chautauqua
In 1898, Boulder residents made a bold decision that would shape the city’s future. They voted to issue bonds and purchase 80 acres at the base of the Flatirons, creating a permanent home for a Chautauqua site. This partnership with Texas educators, known as the Texas–Colorado Chautauqua Association, was part of the nationwide Chautauqua Movement, which promoted education, music, and wholesome recreation.
The construction effort was remarkable. In just 53 days, workers completed a dining hall, auditorium, and water system to welcome the first visitors. On July 4, 1898, the Colorado Chautauqua opened its doors with celebrations, lectures, and concerts. Guests arrived by train to Boulder and then transferred to carriages that carried them into the foothills, where a new cultural tradition had begun.
Growth in the Foothills
Early visitors slept in canvas tents pitched on wooden platforms, but the vision for something lasting quickly took shape. By 1900, fifty cottages had been built, many of which still stand today. Over the years, additional lodging, paths, and facilities were added, blending comfort with the natural beauty of the foothills…