Watkins History

In 1859 the Overland Stage Line built the New Fort Morgan Cut-off and at the east side of Box Elder Creek a stage station was erected. It was called Box Elder #2 and makes it one of the oldest settlements in the territory. Though smaller than the towns further east, it has played an important role in the development of a wide area. There has been a continuous settlement since the stage station was established there. During 1863 a telegraph line was built along the stage route. After the Hungate Massacre in 1864 most of the stage stations from Julesburg to Watkins were burned, and rebuilt, including Box Elder. In 1865 the North Smoky Hill Trail from Kansas was established from the south at Box Elder and merged with the Cut-Off trails making it a central location on the trail to Denver. In 1870 the town was re-named Watkins after a local rancher, Lawrence A. Watkins. Mr. Watkins owned a mercantile and a bank as well as other businesses and was a friend to everyone.
The first Post Office was established January 3, 1878, in the Trout's general store, livery stable and hotel. The old store was the last building to stand and it housed the post office for many years. In 1965 the Post Office was then moved to the south side of Highway #36 and in 1968 it was moved to the north end of the Tomahawk Truck Stop Complex. Now there is a new Post Office east of town which serves 1900 residents.
In 1937 Lula Winchell moved to Watkins and was responsible for bringing electricity and telephones into Watkins. Also in 1947 Walter Staack moved a portion of the Twelve Mile Stage Stop building to Watkins to be used for a liquor store. A historical mural is now on the east side of the liquor store and is recorded in the Parker Historical Society.
Watkins's School District #33 was in Arapahoe County and the school was built in 1901. Adams County School District #52 was assigned to the north side of Watkins and a brick school was built after the frame building was burned down. Both schools were vacated after consolidation of school districts in 1952.
In 1974 the Denver Regional Council of Government adopted a plan which included the site just outside of Watkins for the Front Range Airport and in 2001 the St Isidore -The Farmer-Catholic Church was completed on Colfax Frontage Road just South of I-70 Highway and in west Watkins.
The first Incorporation of Watkins was in 1888 but no formal government was formed. When the Adams County Courthouse burned down in 1904, the paperwork was destroyed. It was not successfully incorporated again until June 8, 2004.