The year 2024 commemorates the 100-year anniversary of the annual Town of Milliken’s celebration of Beef n’ Bean Day.

The Milliken Historical Society is recognizing families who have been part of our community for over 100 years. Each month, a family is celebrated with their story showcased at the Milliken Town Hall, the Heritage House Museum, and the Johnstown Breeze for all to appreciate. Articles may also be viewed on the MHS Website.

Milliken Historical Society is proud to continue honoring our local heroes by displaying Military Banners for any veteran who called Milliken, CO home at any point in their lives.

These banners, prominently showcased on the light poles along Broad Street, not only serve as a heartfelt tribute to their service but also strengthen our community ties and celebrate our shared heritage.

As farming families clustered together in rural areas small communities began to form. One business minded family would establish a general store/post office which became one of the first functioning businesses. In most cases the new community took on the name or a form of the name of that business owner. There isn’t much knowledge as to the reason the small rural community of Hillsboro held that name, but a little speculation leads one to believe that it most likely came from a gentleman by the name of George Sanderson Hill.  

Hill was instrumental in the development of the Hillsborough Ditch for an agricultural water source and for the Hillsborough Stage Stop. His name pops up in records surrounding the little community of Hillsboro located on the western edge of the current town of Milliken, CO. The land itself was first patented as homestead land by J. M. Wolaver. The land changed owners any number of times through the next three decades.

The name of the new community was shortened to Hillsboro by the postal system for convenience and supported the Scranton House, the Miner’s Saloon, a general merchandise store, McLoud Grocery Store, a Post Office, and additional businesses. Residents congregated at the Hillsboro Presbyterian Church for worship and community functions. The Brush School and the Fairview School were established on donated land north of what is now Highway 60 close to the current Highway 257. The Hillsboro School was built on the west edge of Milliken near the current intersection of Quentine and Broad Streets.  

As the railroad made significant progress across the nation small communities were oftentimes merged into railroad communities or totally abandoned. Families were forced to pull up stakes and move to the functioning town or travel greater distances to take advantage of the offerings of these new communities. The Great Western Railway Company as part of the Denver, Laramie & Northwestern Railway Company established its depot a relatively short distance east of the Hillsboro area. With that growth creating a hub of activity elsewhere Hillsboro no longer served as the center of activity. Hillsboro’s future was permanently changed when the decision was made to name the newer community after Judge Milliken, a prominent figure in the establishment of the railroad. 

In 1909 Hillsboro’s current land owner, Mary T. Knowlton, sold the property, the Town of Hillsboro, to be incorporated with the Town of Milliken. Hillsboro was merged into the railroad community as were some of the buildings and businesses. Hillsboro School became two residential homes on the east side of Milliken. Brush and Fairview Schools were eventually abandoned and any remnants no longer exist. Hillsboro Presbyterian Church became Milliken Presbyterian Church and was relocated into the new town. The grocery store relocated to what is now the north building of the 1000 block of Broad Street. Questions still remain as to what happened to most of the Hillsboro downtown area businesses. 

Progress creates change and flexibility of the individuals and families affected. We continue to move forward for the good and possibly not so good. History, though, should not be lost in the discussion. “Remember when” will always be a phrase used as we look back at our lives and the changes that have occurred. The Town of Milliken’s history evolved from the Hillsboro community’s history. The two merged into one, but the name of Hillsboro actually remains on many maps and will remain in the memories of those that have made Milliken their home.

Meetings: Second Monday of each month @ 1:00 PM.

Open Museum Days: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM.