In 1883, Mesa County was created from neighboring counties
and Grand Junction was named the county seat. In the early 1800s, Grand Junction
was staked through a land rush settlement. It was first called Ute, then West
Denver, and finally, Grand Junction, because of its location at the confluence
of the Gunnison River and Grand Rivers.
Although Colorado became the 38th state in the Union in 1876,
it was not until 1883 that Mesa County was created from neighboring counties
and Grand Junction was named the county seat. Grand Junction was staked in the
early 1800s through a land rush settlement. It was first called Ute, then West
Denver, and finally, Grand Junction, because of its location at the confluence
of the Gunnison and Grand (now the Colorado) Rivers. In 1887 the county seat
began to thrive as the main line of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad came
into the area. Soon after, major irrigation projects transformed the Grand Valley
into a fertile agricultural area.
Today, Mesa County is home to more than 115,000 people in 15
communities, the largest of which is Grand Junction. The mild climate and low
humidity create perfect growing conditions for grapes, supporting many vineyards
and wineries around the valley. Mesa County is also home to a number of light
manufacturing and service industries, hospitals, a regional airport, ski resort,
and numerous outstanding recreational opportunities and cultural activities