Fort Collins Historical Society Talks: Celebrating 250 & 150 Years

About this event

In 2026, the United States turns 250 and Colorado celebrates 150 years of statehood. To mark these historic milestones, the Fort Collins Historical Society presents Living in History, a yearlong series exploring how our city’s past continues to shape its present and future. Each talk will spotlight a different chapter in Fort Collins’ story—from civil rights and citizen activism to urban growth and transportation. We’ll trace how everyday residents, through bold movements and quiet contributions alike, have helped build the community we call home. As we reflect on where we’ve been and imagine what’s ahead, we invite you to join us in Living in History. September's topic: History of Transportation in Fort Collins Early settlers arrived in the Nebraska Territory (the area that now includes Fort Collins) by ox-drawn covered wagons. Walking and horse-powered transportation were the norm. The arrival of the Colorado and Southern Railroad in 1877 provided a growth spurt for the community. Over time, bicycles and even horseless carriages became prevalent. An expansive streetcar line enabled even school children to traverse the whole of the city cheaply and easily. Then the automobile took over, dramatically changing the look and feel of Fort Collins, which began to sprawl across the landscape. Later movements brought back bikeability to the community with Fort Collins eventually becoming a Platinum rated bicycling community. The city began to develop a bicycling trail system in the 1970s that now connects Fort Collins to Bellvue, Timnath, Windsor, Greeley, and Loveland. (Sorry Wellington.) Jim Bertolini, from the City’s Historic Preservation department, will give us an overview of the history of transportation in Fort Collins. Then Dot Dickerson and Sylvia Cranmer will shared lived experience in helping to make Fort Collins a more bike friendly community. Learn about the growth and evolution of transportation options in Fort Collins and how transportation has…

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