Denver is nestled on the west side of Lake Norman. This quiet, "laid back" town was originally known as "Dry Pond" and was settled in 1770. In 1873 "Dry Pond" was renamed "Denver" by a local principal named Matt Thompson in hopes of trying to get the railroads to route service through the area, which would have helped the area to flourish. By 1877, the town was incorporated. However, it was unsuccessful in getting the railroads to come through, which in turn caused the town to not be able to afford to maintain its own roads, resulting in losing its incorporated status by 1971. Denver was centralized around the Post Office. Today Denver is well known for the Historic Rock Springs Campground which was established in 1830 and still hosts annual religious gatherings just outside the center of town. Also, just outside the town near the Cowans Ford Dam, many people come to see the location or area where the Revolutionary War events have taken place such as The Battle of Cowan's Ford. The actual war spot is now underwater, but is marked by memorial markers. Denver is flourishing and expanding. Denver is centrally located with access to Charlotte and Hickory via Hwy 16, Cornelius and Huntersville via Hwy 73, and Mooresville via Hwy 150.