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Born in the latter quarter of the 19th century, Broomfield began as an agrarian community, with hard-working, community-oriented families who located here on the heels of those adventurous gold-seekers hoping to strike gold in Colorado's wilderness. Dryland farms dotted the landscape in the late 1800's, and one crop: broomcorn became the impetus for the name of this settlement. At the turn of the 20th century, Broomfield was a thriving little town. Grain elevators, a grocery, hotel, bank, and other businesses drew the farmers in the area together. In the 1950's, modern Broomfield began as the dream of developers who promised a city along the Turnpike - now U.S. 36 that connects Denver to Boulder. As a "bedroom" community, Broomfield attracted young, post-war families. In 1961, the town incorporated, and in 1974 adopted a Home Rule Charter forming a strong Council-Manager form of government. As it grew, Broomfield held historic repute as the only city in the state to lie in portions of four counties. Forward-thinking residents who were tired of the problems and confusion in accessing services from four counties, sought relief in a statewide constitutional amendment creating a combined city and county government for Broomfield. The amendment passed on November 3, 1998, giving Broomfield a three-year transition period in which to organize to become Colorado's newest county - its 64th. The City and County of Broomfield became official on November 15, 2001, and is well known for its innovations in government service delivery.
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