The Colorado Gold Rush begins (officially) with a huge gold discovery between modern Black Hawk and Central City, Colorado on May 10, 1859 when John Gregory returns to his hidden strike.  John is accompanied by Wilkes DeFrees and William Zeigler, they ascend Enter mountain (near Golden Gate Canyon Road - present day Golden, Colorado) creating a new path to the "Gregory Diggins".  

This not only launches the Pikes Peak Gold Rush, but expedites any thoughts or talks of making this region a new and distinct territory.

THE explosion occurs!