Promises of gold brought the first waves of European-Americans to Colorado in the 1859s. They found riches and built cities that never should have lasted. Readers will discover the golden beginnings of towns like Leadville and Boulder and meet the early settlers and miners who brought them to life. The next promise was always right around the corner, and the optimistic pioneers who came west simply never gave up. Silver flooded the state with more riches and more people, until the bubble burst and Colorado faded from the forefront of the American dream. The state is booming again today, with a vibrant beer, marijuana and energy economy epitomizing the 21st century American dream. This is the history of Colorado through the lens of its uniquely mythic economy, from boom to boom and into the future.

A look at the trade and commerce that has historically driven Colorado's economy.

Traces the history of uranium mining in America, following the efforts of ordinary people as they took part in the initial boom and the bust that followed