Byers

Byers, Colorado traces its roots to railroad-driven settlement and is named after a prominent figure in Colorado’s early media and development.

History

Byers was established in 1868 along the Kansas Pacific Railroad, which played a critical role in attracting settlers and facilitating the town’s growth. It quickly became a small rail and agricultural hamlet with basic amenities—general store, blacksmith shop, and saloon—after the railroad’s arrival in 1870. The community was named for William N. Byers, founder of Denver's Rocky Mountain News and an influential promoter of Denver and Colorado rail expansion. Before adopting the Byers name, the area was known as Bijou. Byers experienced various population shifts, especially as agriculture and gas industries fluctuated. As of the most recent counts, the population is about 1,322, serving as a key service point in eastern Arapahoe County.

Major Industries

Agriculture was the foundation of Byers’ economy and remains important, complemented by oil production since the late 1950s with the discovery of the Peoria oil field. The presence of Denver International Airport nearby has also encouraged commuter and suburban growth, retail, and service industries.

Geography

Byers is located at approximately 39.6972°N latitude and 104.2247°W longitude, with an elevation of about 5,202 feet above sea level. Byers is strategically positioned along both Interstate 70 and the historic railroad corridor, and it is known for its semi-arid climate with warm summers and cold winters. The area saw a transition from windmills to oil wells after 1950.

Obscure and Notable Facts

Byers hosted the 264-acre Interstate Dog Track in 1970, notable for having three oil wells on the property—a rare combination of industry and recreation. Its long-anticipated boom as a Denver suburb has been influenced by the opening of Denver International Airport in 1995, further shaping its demographics and growth expectations.