Heritage

History and Tradition

The land beneath Brighton was originally called Hughes Station, named for John Hughes, who owned the stage line between Denver and Cheyenne. In 1879, Daniel F. Carmichael began buying land there from the Denver Pacific Railroad, and by 1882 he owned 720 acres. He was “determined that there should be a town here that would do credit to the splendid valley,” and named it after his wife's birthplace: Brighton Beach, New York.

Dewey W. Strong also had a vision for the valley and in 1882, platted his own addition called Northern Brighton. By the time Brighton was incorporated July 26, 1887,  it looked like a real town. Its first school had been built in 1885, followed by the historic 1886 Church at 1st Avenue and Main Street. 

The church has been preserved and is still used for weddings and other occasions. The Brighton Depot is located near the historic site of Hughes Station's historic stage/railroad depot. 

As the largest town in Adams County in 1904, Brighton was selected as the permanent county seat. Its farming population was largely Japanese, a community that continues to play a strong role in the Brighton area, as demonstrated by the still successful Sakata Farms. The city also was home to the Kuner Pickle Company and the Great Western Sugar Factory.

The city is outgrowing its agricultural heritage but has managed to retain its traditional hometown values and rural pace of life.