What is now the United States Mint in Denver actually began as a humble company. In 1858, Clark, Gruber and Company started a private mint, making gold coins from the spoils of the Colorado gold rush in order to save on shipping the ore to the east coast. After minting over 500,000 dollars, the US Treasury officially bought the mint in 1863. Today, the mint is a popular tourist destination in Denver, lending insights into the stages and the entire process of currency-making. One of the oldest establishments in Colorado, the mint is touted to be one of the single largest producers of coins in the world. The mint is certainly an iconic repository of American currency, and all currency produced here has the denomination 'D' inscribed on it. Having been considerably mentioned in popular media, the Denver Mint is an indelible historic landmark of the country.
Located outside of what is now a trailer home park, the Concrete Cowboy statue has been a stable of Denver for so long that it continues to stand even when the location it welcomes you to has been torn down. The huge 30-foot-tall cowboy was made by John Sutton in the 1940s and has been part of the "Denver Weirdery" tour ever since the 1980s. Concrete Cowboy is in full color, with details extending to frayed hems and bowed legs. He's definitely a sight to see if you're into the kitschy side of Denver.
This restored Victorian mansion, once the home of legendary Denver resident Maggie (Molly) Brown now serves as a popular museum that attracts more than 40,000 visitors a year. The museum explores the eccentric life of the 'Unsinkable Molly Brown,' a Titanic survivor and eminent figure in the city's Gold Rush heritage. After the tour, browse around the gift shop and check out the selection of t-shirts, books and other memorabilia. There are guided tours available and regular special events and performances also take place.
