underground city in denver colorado

Denver’s Underground City: Fact or Fiction?

While the idea of a sprawling, hidden “underground city” beneath Denver, Colorado, captures the imagination, the reality is more nuanced than a fully-fledged subterranean metropolis. Historical remnants of Denver’s past, particularly remnants from the city’s initial street level, combined with utility tunnels and some repurposed spaces, contribute to this enduring urban legend. However, it’s important to distinguish between these realities and the popular misconception of a complete, interconnected city below the surface.

The Reality Beneath the Streets

Denver doesn’t have a true “underground city” in the science fiction sense. Instead, there are surviving vestiges of the city’s early development, primarily related to street level changes. In the late 19th century, Denver experienced repeated flooding from the South Platte River. As a result, the city raised its street level to mitigate future flood damage. This process involved building up existing streets and sidewalks, effectively burying the original ground level.

Remnants of Old Denver

Evidence of this raised street level can still be found in certain areas of the city, particularly in the Larimer Square area. Original storefronts and sidewalks exist below the current street level, accessible through stairwells or basement entrances. These aren’t part of a connected underground network, but rather isolated pockets of the past preserved in place. Some have been repurposed into restaurants, bars, or storage spaces.

Utility Tunnels

Like many major cities, Denver has a network of utility tunnels running beneath its streets. These tunnels house essential infrastructure such as steam pipes, electrical cables, and water mains. While they provide access to maintain and repair these systems, they aren’t publicly accessible or designed for general pedestrian use. These tunnels are functional and lack the architectural and commercial features associated with the term “city”.

Distinguishing Fact from Fiction

The enduring myth of a Denver underground city likely stems from a combination of these factors: the existence of the original street level, the utility tunnels, and a natural human fascination with hidden spaces. It’s easy to imagine these elements combining into something more extensive and connected than they actually are. While guided tours focusing on Denver’s history sometimes touch upon these underground elements, they emphasize historical context rather than promoting the idea of a secret city.

For more information on Denver’s history, you can consult Denver’s history on Wikipedia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there guided tours of the Denver underground?

Yes, some walking tours focus on Denver’s history and point out the remnants of the original street level in areas like Larimer Square. However, these tours emphasize the historical context rather than exploring extensive underground spaces.

Can you access the old Denver streets?

In some cases, yes. Certain businesses have incorporated portions of the old street level into their establishments, particularly in basements or lower-level spaces.

Are the utility tunnels accessible to the public?

No, Denver’s utility tunnels are not open to the public. They are restricted to authorized personnel for maintenance and repair purposes.

Is there an underground city under Denver like in some movies?

No, Denver does not have a true underground city in the fictional sense. The reality is a combination of historical remnants and functional utility tunnels.

Why did Denver raise its street level?

Denver raised its street level in the late 19th century to combat frequent flooding from the South Platte River.

Summary

The idea of an “underground city” in Denver is a captivating myth fueled by the existence of remnants from the city’s original street level and the presence of utility tunnels. While these elements offer glimpses into Denver’s past and infrastructure, they don’t constitute a hidden, interconnected city beneath the surface. Tours focus on the historical significance of these remnants, reminding us of Denver’s evolution and adaptation to environmental challenges.