Understand

The land where Westminster is now located was once home to buffalo and antelopes, with evidence of Arapaho Indian encampments nearby. Two homesteaders, Pleasant DeSpain and Edward Bruce Bowles, founded Westminster. Today, you can still visit Bowles' House, which has been recognized as a historic place. However, farming was challenging due to the arid climate. In the late 1800s, a wealthy Connecticut real estate developer, C. J. Harris, bought the land and divided it into smaller parcels, transforming it into rural and suburban developments. Learn more about Westminster's early settlers [1]. During the Cold War, the area west of Westminster became the site of the Rocky Flats Plant, where plutonium triggers for nuclear bombs were manufactured. Unfortunately, accidents and shoddy maintenance led to heavy pollution from radioactive material. The US government declared it a superfund site in 1989, and the Department of Energy took action to demolish and clean up the area. While parts of the site remain restricted, it has largely become a nature preserve. For further reading on Westminster's history: - "Full Body Burden" by Kristen Iversen - "Making a Real Killing" by Len Ackland

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

**1. Hamburger**The hamburger, often simply called a burger, is a sandwich consisting of a cooked patty of ground beef, usually served in a bun with toppings and condiments such as lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, and pickles. It is a quintessential American fast food item that can be found at restaurants, fast food joints, and even street vendors throughout the country. While traditional hamburgers typically include beef, there are also vegetarian options available made from plant-based ingredients.

**2. Pizza**Pizza is a popular Italian-American dish consisting of a yeasted flatbread base, typically topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various other ingredients such as meats, vegetables, and herbs. In the United States, pizza is often sold as both a take-out and sit-down dining option, with numerous regional variations in styles and toppings. Pepperoni is a particularly popular topping in the U.S., but vegetarian and vegan pizzas are also widely available.

**3. Fried Chicken**Fried chicken is a southern-style dish comprised of marinated chicken pieces that are coated in a seasoned flour mixture and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. Originating from the American South, fried chicken has become a staple in the country's culinary landscape, with various regional variations in preparation styles and seasonings. It can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or as part of a larger feast, and although traditionally prepared with chicken, vegetarian alternatives do exist.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing