Final answer:
Gold was discovered in 1858 around Denver at Pike's Peak, which led to the Colorado Gold Rush and played a significant role in the development of major mining operations and the establishment of cities like Denver.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gold was discovered around Denver in 1858 at a location that is now known as Pike's Peak. This gold discovery was part of the wider Gold Rush phenomenon that began in California in 1848 and spread to other areas such as Colorado and Nevada. Although the initial gold rush was marked by individual prospectors using simple tools like pans and sluice boxes, it eventually required more investment and machinery as the easy-to-reach gold was exhausted. This transition ushered in an era of larger business operations, underpinning the development of urban settlements like Denver, which provided infrastructure for these endeavours.
The allure of gold and silver discoveries across the West, including the notable Comstock Lode in Nevada and the gold veins in Colorado, prompted many to seek fortunes through mining. This led to the growth of cities and established a pattern of development and urban stability in the mining regions. Over time, as surface deposits became scarce, mining operations had to delve deeper into the earth, necessitating larger investments. These conditions transformed the mining landscape, from the individual prospector to large-scale ventures.
The gold discoveries and subsequent mining activities not only had economic implications but also played a role in the expansion and exploration of the American West, as captured in the works of artists like Albert Bierstadt, who depicted the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains and the way of life that would be changed forever by these developments.