The Planning of Capital Cities: Denver, Colorado

As this is the first of an intended series of papers on the “Planning of Capital Cities", some general remarks may serve to define their scope. Capital cities dot the map of the United States from ocean to ocean and from Mexico to Canada. They include varying conditions of climate, commerce, and physical characteristics; but they are alike in that each is the seat of government of a Sovereign State. Some are old, others are relatively new and are still developing “growing pains". Some are located on ocean, lake, or river, some enjoy the clear vision of mountain slope or range. A few are located on outstretching plains, and many are favored with an eminence on which to place their significant building which is the emblem of State authority. It is always of interest in studying the origin and development of an important city to know who made the first street plan; how this has been enlarged from time to time; and whether the city has a planning commission and has been zoned. Because of the many lessons that can be drawn, and the older history of development which can be studied, reference is made in the paper to several of the better known European capitals. The City Planning Engineer can find much of interest to study in foreign capitals.