1907 Time capsule unearths denver's past at on guard monument

Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper opened a time capsule buried beneath the On Guard Monument on Tuesday, revealing a tangible link to the city's History. The capsule, sealed in 1907, offered a glimpse into the concerns and cultural touchstones of a bygone era.

Contents of century-old time capsule discovered at on guard monument

The find, unearthed during maintenance work on the monument, included a remarkably preserved copy of The Denver Times from September 6, 1907, and a corresponding issue of The Denver Post from the same date. A business card from J.M. Green Monuments and Headstones, a Denver firm specializing in monument construction, also rested within.

A miniature replica of the On Guard statue and the monument's base were present, providing a visual context for the time capsule’s placement. The contents paint a picture of the city's priorities at the turn of the 20th century, a period of rapid growth and evolving civic identity.

The On Guard statue itself, a prominent landmark at History Colorado, commemorates the city’s firefighting History. The time capsule’s discovery offers a unique opportunity to connect with that past. The artifacts are now being cataloged and will eventually be displayed to the public, offering a fascinating window into Denver's History and the people who shaped it.

The contents of the time capsule are a powerful reminder that even seemingly static monuments hold untold stories.