Florence, Colorado has a history shaped by agriculture, oil, coal, railroads, mining, industry, and small business.
Settlement in the area began in the 1860s, and the town that became Florence was later named for Florence McCandless, the daughter of early settler James A. McCandless. Florence was incorporated in 1887.
One of the most important parts of Florence's early history was oil. Oil was discovered in the area in the 1860s, and the Florence Oil Field became one of the earliest significant oil-producing regions in the western United States. Over time, wells, refineries, and related industries became a major part of the local economy.
Coal also played an important role in the growth of Florence and the surrounding communities. Mines in nearby areas such as Coal Creek and Rockvale brought workers and families from many different countries, helping create the diverse working-class communities that shaped the region.
By the late 1800s, Florence had become an important transportation and industrial center. Railroads connected the city with other parts of Colorado and helped move coal, oil, agricultural products, and manufactured goods.
The gold boom in Cripple Creek brought another period of rapid growth. The Florence and Cripple Creek Railroad connected Florence with the mining district through Phantom Canyon, allowing gold ore to be transported to mills and processing facilities in the Florence area.
This period of growth helped create much of the historic downtown that remains today. Many of the brick commercial buildings along Main Street date from the late 1800s and early 1900s and once housed banks, hotels, saloons, stores, offices, restaurants, and meeting halls.
As mining and heavy industry declined, Florence changed again. Agriculture, manufacturing, small businesses, and regional industries continued to support the community, while many of the historic downtown buildings survived.
In more recent decades, Florence has developed a reputation as an antique shopping destination. Historic storefronts that once served miners, railroad workers, merchants, and industrial businesses now house antique stores, galleries, restaurants, shops, and other independent businesses.
Today, Florence continues to evolve. The city combines its historic downtown and industrial heritage with tourism, recreation, small business, technology, and entrepreneurship.
From oil wells and coal mines to railroads, gold processing, antiques, and new businesses, Florence has always been a town that adapts and reinvents itself while keeping a strong connection to its past.
To find out more visit the Florence Pioneer Museum and Research Center. https://www.florencepioneermuseum.org/
