Grand Junction History

Grand Junction was founded by George Addison Crawford on July 22, 1882. The name of the town came from the confluence of the Colorado (formerly Grand) and Gunnison Rivers. In 1882, Crawford started a vineyard in the Palisade area. Now, Grand Junction is known as Colorado's wine country. Grand Junction's history is rich in mining, farming, the railroad, and the past home of the Ute Tribe.

Learn all there is to know about Grand Junction and the surrounding area's history.

Own A Piece Of Western Colorado History: 1900 Home For Sale

Discover the charm of a historic 1900 home in Grand Junction, CO, with recent upgrades and a prime location.

Wes Adams

Gunnison River: Navigating Colorado's Scenic Landscapes

Explore the Gunnison River's vital role in Colorado's ecosystems and agriculture, flowing for over 180 miles.

Wes Adams

Eleven of Colorado's Most Endangered Places Worth Protecting

Learn more about eleven significant locations in Western Colorado we should be taking better care of.

Wes Adams

Historic Turn of the Century Mansion For Sale in Western Colorado

Scroll through the photos of this well-kept historic home that has stood in downtown Grand Junction for 115 years.

Wes Adams

Grand Junction’s New Mural Highlights Colorado Rails & Renovation

Local spray paint artist Jeremy Velasquez did a fantastic job. The mural adds new life to Grand Junction's Union Depot.

Wes Adams

A Guide to Colorado's Ghost Towns

Check out, and get to know the many ghost towns in the state of Colorado.

Nate Wilde

Eerie Footage from 1969 Outlines Colorado’s Failed Nuclear Past

Footage from 1969 describing the failed Project Rulison nuclear tests in Western Colorado serves as an eerie window into the state’s explosive past.

Nate Wilde

Amazing Progress On Grand Junction Colorado's Historic Stranges

Everyone knows about Grand Junction, Colorado's historic Stranges Grocery at 226 Pitkin Avenue. A major renovation has been underway for some time. Take a look at the progress

Waylon Jordan

Grand Junction Spent Way Too Much Time at This Colorado Bar

If you found yourself within a 100-mile radius of Grand Junction in the 1980s and 90s, you probably found yourself at The Rose. I asked on Facebook, "How much time did you spend at Grand Junction's "The Rose" back in the day?"

Waylon Jordan

Classic Photos of Grand Junction Colorado Awards & Celebrations

Here's another look at classic Robert Grant photos featuring people, events, and landmarks from Grand Junction, Fruita, and other communities around Western Colorado. With this gallery, the subject matter focuses on celebrations and awards ceremonies.

Waylon Jordan