Golden was established in the mid-19th century. It served as a supply stop for gold miners heading into the mountains. Closer to home, people have always done some gold panning in Clear Creek right in Golden. A lot of coal mining took place in Golden, and a lot of clay was extracted, particularly by the Parfet family. The area also included several farms, in the valley that now holds the Coors complex.

The territorial legislature met here from 1862-1867, in the building that now holds The Old Capitol Grill restaurant. Local outrage ran high when Denver snagged the honor of becoming the capitol.

The Colorado School of Mines was established in 1870, by an Episcopal Bishop. Their first building was established where the Youth Corrections facility now sits. Three years later, in 1873, they opened their first building in the school's present location. The school was turned over to Colorado Territory in 1874 and became a state institution when Colorado attained statehood in 1876.