the Highlands Ranch Mansion encompasses 22,000 square feet historically, and 27,000 square feet today. More than 100 years old, this magnificent structure has been home to some of Denver’s more notable families.ĭid you know. The historic Highlands Ranch Mansion and ranch stand today as valuable pieces of history, reflecting the lifestyle of early settlers and pioneers of the area now known as Highlands Ranch, Colorado. History of the Highlands Ranch Mansion and Ranch His first harvest was so abundant that he became known as Colorado’s Potato King. At this time, Colorado farmers were very successful at growing potato crops and Rufus decided to try his hand. In 1859, he filed on a 160-acre homestead at the location of today’s Highlands Ranch Golf Club. “Potato” Clark was once known as the Potato King of Colorado. To learn more about the history of our community, please contact the Highlands Ranch Historical Society. Thanks to the Highlands Ranch Historical Society and Shea Homes for much of this historical information. The historic windmill above stands today on the ranch property.Īlthough the modern community was founded in 1981, the first settlers built their lives in this area more than 100 years ago.īelow you can read about the history of the land now called Highlands Ranch. Windmills were very important to ranchers because they helped supply water to cattle in various pastures.