A Quick Guide to Parker Colorado

Brief History

For those looking for a first hand peek into Colorado's settlement history, the town of Parker has preserved its landmarks. Where once native settlers camped along the banks of Cherry Creek, residents and visitors can bike or hike along the same trail. The town was established early on by a one room trading post and mail depot in 1863. When settlers came looking for gold that same one room house become like the Plymouth Rock of Parker. Known as the 20 Mile House because of its distance from Denver, the structure was expanded and eventually sold in 1874 to the town's founder James S. Parker.

J.S Parker built the first schoolhouse and opened up the land to roads, telegraphs lines and railroads. Like much of the west, it had its boom but Parker did not become an incorporated town until 1981. Since then, when there were only 285 residents, the city of Parker has annexed several surrounding areas becoming one of the fastest growing towns in Douglas County.

Local Fare

It's not exactly an over-night tourist town, but makes for an enjoyable day stay. Parker is centrally located between the city lights of Denver and the Southern draw of Castle Rock and Colorado Springs. About 40,000 residents are spread across a diverse landscape of ranch style housing, covenant communities and stylish apartments. Though most homeowners are commuters to the Denver Tech Center, Meridian Business Center and Downtown Denver, the town's largest employers are the two hospitals, 3 King Soopers supermarkets, Oralabs Corporation, Town of Parker city workers and Wal-Mart.

With several major shopping centers, Parker's small business community is thriving. Healthcare products, real estate, technology, construction, retail and numerous others offer plenty of options in the town's economic base. Many residents were drawn to Parker for the future of their children, as Douglas County schools are the highest regarded in the state. Over 15 Public elementary, Middle and charter schools, two high schools and the state of the art University of Chaparral, offer top-notch education and facilities.