Black Hawk and Central City

“Black Hawk and Central City” by David Forsyth, published by Arcadia Publishing Library Editions on September 23, 2013, offers a detailed exploration of the significant roles that the neighboring towns of Central City and Black Hawk played in Colorado’s history. This 130-page book delves into the economic and political power these mining camps wielded in the 1800s, highlighting their contributions to the formation of the state, including the emergence of Colorado’s first two U.S. senators and representative from Central City.

Readers will find a comprehensive account of the vibrant community life in these towns, which boasted theaters, schools, churches, and businesses that aimed to establish their permanence as law-abiding settlements. The narrative also addresses the economic decline that followed the mining boom in the late 19th century, the revival sparked by new mining operations and the reopening of the Central City Opera House in the 1930s, and the impact of legalized gambling introduced in 1991. This edition presents a thorough historical perspective on the evolution of Black Hawk and Central City, making it a valuable resource for those interested in local history and the development of the American West.