Setting
Highlands Ranch is an unincorporated community in Douglas County and is defined by the United States Census Bureau as a census-designated place within the Denver–Aurora–Lakewood metropolitan statistical area. It is located on Colorado State Highway 470, about 13 miles south of downtown Denver and about 13 miles north-northwest of Castle Rock.
The community borders several Denver-area suburbs, including Littleton and Centennial to the north and Acres Green and Lone Tree to the east. Chatfield State Park lies to the west. Because it is a census-designated place, its boundaries are set for statistical purposes and do not have legal standing.
Local Services
Highlands Ranch is governed through Douglas County, with many local services provided by the Highlands Ranch Metro District. The district handles services such as parks, open space, major road maintenance, water, storm drains, a senior center, and some fences.
Law enforcement is provided by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, while South Metro Fire Rescue provides fire protection. Public schools are part of the Douglas County School System.
Early History
The area was inhabited by nomadic tribes, including the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho. It later became part of the Louisiana Purchase, and the Stephen H. Long Expedition entered the area in 1820, marking the first documented exploration by European or United States explorers.
Permanent settlement was limited until around 1870 because of a lack of water. Curtis H. Field became the first legal settler when he purchased land west of Santa Fe Drive from the United States government in 1870.
Ranch Land and the Mansion
Samuel Allan Long purchased a homestead in northern Douglas County in 1884 and later expanded it into a farm. By 1891, he had built a farmhouse known as Rotherwood.
John W. Springer bought the ranch in 1898 and built what became known as the Highlands Ranch Mansion. The property grew into a 10,000-acre ranch and farm and was also called Castle Isabel for a time. The mansion was renovated from 2010 to 2012.
Planned Suburb
In 1978, The Mission Viejo Company purchased a large parcel in unincorporated Douglas County and planned a new suburb named Highlands Ranch. The plans included major streets, schools, recreation centers, a town center, a public library, parks, bike paths, and a green belt set aside for undeveloped recreation land.
The first homes were built in 1981 near South Broadway. C-470 opened through the area in 1985.
What it is like
Highlands Ranch is an unincorporated area within Douglas County and is not served by a city; it is served by Highlands Ranch Metro District, Highlands Ranch Community Association and Douglas County.
History and landmarks
John W. Springer acquired the property in 1897 and, with Charles Martin, founded the National Live Stock Association in 1898, serving as president from 1898-1903. Frank Kistler renovated the Mansion in 1929-1930; Lawrence Phipps Jr. bought the Diamond K in 1937 and renamed it Highlands Ranch.
Sources: Highlands Ranch, Colorado (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA); douglasco.gov; highlandsranchmansion.com