Historic Splendid Valley is an eclectic agricultural area established through a partnership with the City of Brighton and Adams County. The area is focuses on preserving farmland and stimulating innovative opportunities that create closer connections between people, farming and nature. Historic Splendid Valley has roots that run both wide and deep. Former railroad man Daniel F. Carmichael filed for the first plat for the new town of Brighton in 1881. According to his obituary in the Brighton Blade dated March 3, 1911 he “took a fancy to the place and determined there should be a town here that would be a credit to the splendid valley of the Platte.”

In April of 2016, the Brighton Historic Preservation Commission finished up working with Terracon Consultants on the 64 Farmsteads Historic Survey Phase II which reviewed and researched historic farmstead properties throughout the Brighton area. The project scope worked to evaluate the selected properties for their potential eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties, and Local Landmark designation.

This is a digital tour of some of the properties that were determined to be historically significant. As you scroll to the sites in the StoryMap, you will be able to see where the particular site is located, some photos of the farm and its structures, and will be provided with a narrative write-up on that farm's history. We welcome you to this splendid valley and hope you enjoy your "drive" through Historic Splendid Valley and the history and architecture that makes it so special.