Quick Info
Location: 12th Street between Washington and Cheyenne. Listed: National Register of Historic Places. Best for: Architecture buffs, history enthusiasts, quiet walks. Time needed: 15-30 minutes to stroll through.
The 12th Street Historic District is a quiet residential neighborhood just off downtown Golden where Victorian-era homes stand as they have for over a century. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the district preserves a collection of late 19th and early 20th century architecture that tells the story of Golden's prosperous past.
This isn't a major tourist attraction - there are no tours, no signs, no visitor center. It's simply a beautiful old neighborhood that rewards a short walk if you're interested in history and architecture. The homes are private residences, so you'll admire them from the sidewalk as you would in any neighborhood.
Historical Background
Golden was Colorado's territorial capital from 1862 to 1867, and the town thrived as a commercial and mining hub even after Denver took over government functions. The prosperity of those years is visible in the substantial homes that business owners, railroad executives, and mining investors built on 12th Street.
The district dates primarily from the 1870s through the early 1900s, representing the era when Golden was growing from a frontier settlement into a proper Victorian town. The Coors family, railroad officials, and other local notables built homes here.
The neighborhood was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989, providing recognition and some protection for the historic character of the area.
Architectural Styles
Walking through the district, you'll see a variety of late Victorian and early 20th century styles:
Victorian: Several homes feature classic Victorian details - decorative trim, wrap-around porches, and asymmetrical facades typical of the era.
Queen Anne: Look for elaborate ornamentation, towers, and varied rooflines that characterize this Victorian substyle.
Folk Victorian: Simpler homes with Victorian-inspired details applied to basic house forms - representing the homes of middle-class residents.
Craftsman: Later homes from the early 1900s show Craftsman influences with lower rooflines, prominent porches, and natural materials.
Taking a Walk
The district is small enough to walk in 15-30 minutes. Start on 12th Street near Washington Avenue and walk west toward Cheyenne Street. The most notable homes line both sides of 12th.
Look for:
- Original brick and stone construction
- Decorative woodwork and trim
- Historic porches and balconies
- Period-appropriate landscaping
- Mature trees that have grown alongside the homes
Remember these are private homes - stay on public sidewalks and be respectful of residents' privacy. Photography from the sidewalk is fine; walking onto private property is not.
Combine With
The district is close to downtown Golden and makes a nice addition to a downtown walking tour. The Golden History Museum provides context for what you'll see - consider visiting the museum first to learn about the families and businesses that built these homes.
The Colorado School of Mines campus is also nearby and has its own historic buildings worth seeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there tours of the historic homes?
No, the homes are private residences. You can admire them from the sidewalk, but there are no public tours or open houses.
Is this worth visiting?
For architecture and history enthusiasts, yes. For the general tourist, it's a pleasant 15-minute walk that adds context to Golden's history. It's not a major attraction.
Where should I park?
Park in downtown Golden and walk over - it's just a block or two from Washington Avenue. Don't park on 12th Street in front of residents' homes.
Is there signage or information?
Minimal. There may be a small historic district sign, but there are no interpretive markers on individual homes. Visit the Golden History Museum for background information.