The History of Freemasonry in Colorado
Gold Rush Beginnings (1858–1859)
The story starts with the Pikes Peak Gold Rush. In 1806, explorer Zebulon Pike, a Mason, mapped the area and named the famous peak. Gold discoveries in 1850 and 1852 drew crowds, but the rush exploded in 1858.
William Green Russell, a Mason from Georgia, led a group to the South Platte River near modern Denver on June 23, 1858. They found gold and built the first cabin. More Masons arrived, like Henry Allen from Iowa and Charles Blake. They formed town companies: Auraria on October 30, 1858 (led by Masons like William McFadding and Levi Russell), and Denver City on November 16.
Informal Masonic meetings began November 3, 1858, in Allen's tent with seven Masons, including Allen, Blake, and Russell. They met weekly for support. By December 27, 26 Masons celebrated St. John's Day. These "Arapahoe Lodge" gatherings came before any churches or schools.
John Gregory's gold strike on May 6, 1859, in Gregory Gulch boomed the population. Masons built Colorado's first Masonic hall—a log cabin in Central City on June 15, 1859. A marker stands there today.
Forming Official Lodges (1859–1861)
The Rocky Mountain News, started April 23, 1859, by future Mason William Byers, advertised Masonic meetings. Auraria directors donated land to Masons in January 1859.
The Grand Lodge of Kansas gave Auraria Lodge permission on August 15, 1859. Its first meeting was October 1 with over 40 attendees. Golden City Lodge got dispensation January 21, 1860, and a charter October 17 as No. 34. Nevada Lodge followed December 22, 1860.
Masons shaped early government. In April 1859 meetings, Masons like Russell and Allen drafted laws and formed the Jefferson Territory.
Colorado became a territory February 28, 1861. Nebraska's Grand Lodge chartered Summit Lodge No. 7 and Rocky Mountain No. 8 on June 5.
The Grand Lodge Forms (1861)
On August 2–3, 1861, in Golden City, reps from three lodges created the Grand Lodge of Colorado. John Chivington became the first Grand Master. Lodges were renumbered: Golden City No. 1, Summit No. 2, Rocky Mountain No. 3.
The first annual meeting was December 10–11, 1861, in Denver. Auraria merged into Denver Lodge No. 5. Nevada became No. 4, and Chivington Lodge No. 6 (Central City) chartered September 30.
Chivington, a minister and Civil War colonel, served 1861–1862 but was often away; Deputy Andrew Mason filled in. The lodge named after him renamed to Central No. 6 in 1868 due to his role in the Sand Creek Massacre.
Growth in the Territorial Years (1861–1876)
Membership rose fast: 154 in 1862, 300 in 1863, 392 in 1864. New lodges included Union No. 7 (Denver, 1863), Black Hawk No. 11 (1866), El Paso No. 13 (Colorado Springs, 1867), and Pueblo No. 17 (1869). Some closed, like Rocky Mountain No. 3 (1862) in ghost towns.
The Grand Lodge helped form others: Montana (1863), Wyoming (1867–1874), Utah (1868). By 1876, 31 lodges had over 4,000 members.
Notable Grand Masters: Allyn Weston (1862), Henry Teller (1863, 1867–1872; later U.S. Senator), Archibald van Deren (1864), Andrew Mason (1865), Webster Anthony (1873–1874).
Masons aided statehood, helping with towns, laws, and morals. Figures like Governors Samuel Beall and John Evans were involved.
Statehood and 19th-Century Boom (1876–1900)
Colorado became the 38th state August 1, 1876. 17 lodges remained. Meetings moved to Denver's Masonic Temple at 16th and Welton in 1890.
The "Golden Age" (1870–1910) saw big growth through social ties and charity. Temples like Highlands (Denver, early 1900s) and Colorado Springs Center rose. Masons backed schools and aid.
20th Century and Challenges
In the 1900s, memorials honored World War I dead (1927–1933). The Grand Lodge headquarters in Colorado Springs opened in 1973 with a museum and library.
Membership peaked after WWII but fell later. Charity grew: scholarships, awards, and retirement centers. Union No. 7's charter was confirmed in 1928.
Prince Hall Recognition (1990–Present)
In 1990, under Grand Master Dwight Hamilton, Colorado recognized Prince Hall Freemasonry with a compact for visits (no dual membership). It was rededicated October 19, 2022, at the State Capitol, with speaker Wellington Webb, former Denver Mayor.
Modern Freemasonry (2000–Today)
Colorado has around 100 active lodges, four memorial, and one research lodge.
Recent events: Virtual meetings during COVID-19 (2020–2021); 159th Annual Communication January 23–25, 2025; Aurora No. 156 initiations (2024); Denver No. 5 history talks (February 2025); Fort Collins Temple centennial (October 3, 2025); Rocky Mountain Conference (since 1952).
A Lasting Legacy
From a 1858 tent to today, Colorado Freemasonry stands for brotherly love, relief, and truth. It helped shape the state and continues with service and growth.