Endangered Archaeological Site: Larimer Square

 

Source: denverpost.com

Larimer Square

Community archaeology is critical when it comes to historical or archaeological sites. It not only helps the community members become involved in the significance of history. In addition, public outreach on preservation is essential to not only remember, appreciate, and understand the past but also help people in the community answer unresolved questions about history. 

It can only have a positive impact on keeping that understanding. Petitions proposed to bring awareness and make a change are to prevent sites from being torn down or vandalized. If we destroy our history, then it will be forgotten.

Larimer Square in Denver, Colorado, is the archaeological site that stood out to me. This historic district is home to many businesses today. This strip of businesses is built on Larimer Street, located in Denver’s original residence, Denver City, named after General Larimer in 1858.

Source: denverhistory.blog

Larimer Square has a great deal of historical significance. The buildings eluded the fires of 1863, which encouraged the town to create future buildings from brick and stone instead of wood. Historical buildings like the 1873 Kettle Archaid had memorabilia from Denver’s leading figures. The protected 1882 Granite Building, originally named the Clayton Building, stands on the location of William Larimer’s log cabin, built by George Washington Clayton and William Clayton. These and the rest of the historical buildings are iconic to Denver, Colorado.

Source: denverhistory.blog

Unfortunately, preserving many of these historic buildings is a constant battle. Community outreach brought attention to proposals to demolish some of these buildings and build new in place in this shopping district. However, Larimer Square owner Jeff Hermansonand and his partners claim he will not destroy the premises due to local efforts. 

Locations like this are not only essential to protect but also keeps these cities thriving. One place I love going to in my area is Downtown Cocoa Village, and one of my favorite places to visit is New Orleans. One thing that I love New Orleans because especially in the French Quarter, no one is allowed to change anything. There are some new developments; however, historic buildings are still preserved, giving that nostalgia.
 

This district has escaped many obstacles. In the 1950s, after World War II, the city was in jeopardy of being demolished of fear that only housing bars, flophouses, and pawnshops existed. Luckily, in 1965, Dana Crawford liberated Larimer Square, giving it a facelift by rejuvenating buildings for lease and establishing inviting courtyards. As a result, Larimer Square is considered the first historic district and is home to the oldest retailer, Gusterman Silversmith. Places like this create a home and community that we can keep alive.

References


Rubino, J. (2019, March 20). Larimer Square owner vows not to demolish historic buildings amid effort to redevelop storied Denver block. Retrieved July 31, 2020, from https://www.denverpost.com/2019/03/20/larimer-square-historic-buildings-safe/


Visit Denver. (2019, August 13). Welcome to Larimer Square, Denver’s most historic block. Retrieved July 31, 2020, from https://www.larimersquare.com/