Golden
Colorado
Jefferson County, Colorado
Jefferson County has a history rich in people, events and progress. Take some of the early residents, for example. Many helped put the "wild" in the wild, wild west. Details about Buffalo Bill, members of the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang and Alferd Packer, Colorado's alleged cannibal, can be found below. Additionally, the feverish new commerce that prompted the formation of the county, as well as details on the early government, are described here.
From Lawless to Governed: The Early Years
Ingrained into the very fabric of the county is its much more noble beginnings. Taking the name of the third U.S. president Thomas Jefferson, the county was formally organized in 1861 by the Colorado Territorial Legislature.
The need for an organized local government began in the late 1850s when droves of gold-seeking settlers came West. In 1858, when gold was discovered in the Rocky Mountains, there were fewer than 200 settlers in the area. An influx of nearly 35,000 people arrived two years later, lured by the glitter of gold.
On Those Who Took Office
- The first provisional governor of Jefferson Territory was Robert W. Steele, who lived at Mount Vernon.
- Eli Carter, the county's first recorder, began recording everything from marriage contracts to mining claims in January 1860.
- William Gilpin, first governor of the Colorado Territory, called an election for December 1861.
- Elected officials who took office in January 1862 were Theodore P. Boyd, Thomas C. Bergen, and David K. Wall, county commissioners; J.C. Remington, sheriff; George H. Richardson, clerk and recorder; John M. Ferrell, treasurer; J.R. Ward, assessor; Edward L. Berthoud, surveyor; S.W. Lincoln, coroner; William T. Muir, probate judge; J.B. Wolff, attorney; and George West, school superintendent.
- County offices were located in Loveland Hall until 1877 when the first Jefferson County Courthouse was built.
Recent News
Jefferson County Engage Jeffco February Issue 2023
Jefferson County Thanks K9 Graffit for His Service We mourn the loss of Jefferson County Sheriff's Office K9 Graffit, who was shot and killed Feb. 13 while assisting Golden Police Department and Colorado School of Mines with a search for an armed…
Read More »Jefferson County Engage Jeffco October Issue - January 2023
Joe Kerby Joins Jefferson County as County Manager On Jan. 10, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners announced it has hired Joe Kerby as county manager. He will report directly to the Board of County Commissioners, taking over the role on…
Read More »Jefferson County Engage Jeffco October Issue - December 2022
Jefferson County Internet Access Survey Open Through Jan. 12 Jefferson County needs your input on internet access where you live or work. Community feedback is critical to help the county secure grant funding that will allow internet service…
Read More »Jefferson County Engage Jeffco October Issue - November 2022
Help a Child in Need Through Jefferson County's Giving Tree Program Many families are unable to afford gifts for their children. That’s why Jefferson County is asking for your help in brightening a child’s holiday season by purchasing…
Read More »Jefferson County Engage Jeffco October Issue - October 20, 2022
TABOR Refund Checks Mailed to Jeffco Property Taxpayers Jefferson County recently mailed TABOR refund checks, as required by the state’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights Amendment (TABOR). Checks began arriving in mailboxes of property…
Read More »Jefferson County Engage Jeffco August Issue - September 2022
Jefferson County taxpayers will soon receive a TABOR refund check in the mail, as required by the state’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights Amendment (TABOR). TABOR requires governments in Colorado to refund revenue collected above the TABOR…
Read More »Jefferson County Engage Jeffco August Issue - August 18, 2022
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Read More »Jefferson County Engage Jeffco Issue Newsletter - July 2022
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Read More »Jefferson County Engage Jeffco Issue Newsletter - June 2022
State Primary Election Information for Jeffco Residents Election Day is around the corner but you don’t need to wait until June 28 to return your state primary ballot. Visit VoteJeffco.com to find the nearest 24-hour secure drop box. For…
Read More »Jefferson County Engage Jeffco Issue Newsletter - May 2022
Jefferson County Announces New Emergency Notification System LookoutAlert is the new official emergency notification system of the regional collaborative of Jefferson County and all cities within it, the City and County of Broomfield and the…
Read More »Jefferson County Engage Jeffco Issue Newsletter - April 2022
We Need Your Input - Attend a Jefferson County Budget Forum As part of Jefferson County's community outreach on the budget, we hosted Community Budget Forums to get input from Jeffco community members on which county services matter most to…
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