Town of Erie history

Erie's first jail is built in 1876.

In 1877, Coal miners strike in Erie.

In 1878, the Knights of Labor Local #771, the first mining labor union in Colorado, chartered in Erie.

In 1880, Richards opened a grocery store in Erie and later operated a profitable mercantile firm in a false front building.

*NOTE* The first Lincoln School building, on the site of the present Town Community Building at Wells and Holbrook streets, was a four-room frame building built in 1881.

In 1883, Erie's first church, Welsh Presbyterian Church, was built.

The Robert and Martha Lawley family lived here beginning about 1884.

In 1888, the United Methodist Church is built and dedicated.

Erected by Prussian immigrants, Frank and Mary Konantz, the building housed the dry goods business of owner Adolph Seidler by 1889.

1890: A local flood devastates much of the Town of Erie.

Morgan served as mayor of Erie in 1894-96 and invested heavily in real estate in town.

1900: Three Webber brothers were killed in a mining accident that claimed more than 300 miners.

1910: Northern Coal Fields labor strikes close all mines of the Northern Colorado coal fields.

1912: Coal miners achieve an eight-hour work day.

1914: Ludlow, Colorado sees a gun battle waged and one soldier and four miners are killed.

Pearl married merchant George Winslow, and continued to operate the Winslow store with members of her family following his death in 1921.

1922: Miners strike and the national guardsmen are called to active duty to subdue the strikers.

In 1926, the Klu Klux Klan marched into the Erie Methodist Church during a service led by Reverend W. J. Keeser.

Early on the morning of November 21, 1927, state police opened fire on the striking miners, killing six men and injuring scores of individuals, including several women who were badly hurt.

Until a new 7-12 grade high school was built in 1929, the Lincoln School building was used by all twelve grades.

In 1933, local coal mines reopened.

In 1935, the High School boys' basketball team plays in the State Tournament for the first time, but unfortunately lose.

Erie's first airmail delivery is on May 19, 1938.

In 1946, the Columbine Mine closes.

In 1966, after 54 years of service, this Lincoln School building was abandoned.

In 1967, Washington Mine closes.

Elzi and his wife built the house and he lived in it until 1972.

In 1979, The Erie Airpark subdivision is annexed into Erie as the first of many subdivisions.

LINCOLN SCHOOL (Erie Town Hall) National Register July 22, 1981, 5WL.216.

The Erie Historical Society was founded in 1984 to preserve Erie's history.

In 1998, the Lincoln School building was given to the Town by RE-IJ School District to be used by the community.

In 2000, Erie's street paving is completed and a Coal Miner Memorial was dedicated in front of Town Hall in memory of the Coal Miners of Erie and the Northern Coal fields.

In 2005, Erie High School opens and is located on the northeast corner of Erie Parkway and County Line Road 5.