This former coal town, resting on the Boulder-Weld county line, was first settled by a Methodist minister from Erie, Pennsylvania. When coal was discovered to the east and a railroad spur connected the town to Denver and Cheyenne, flourishing Erie quickly became the third-largest town in the county.

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After the mining boom, agriculture took root in the western part of Erie and the community's flat pastures began to support farmers rather than miners.

Although rural in nature, Erie has seen a recent surge in new families, homes and businesses. With its proximity to both Denver and Boulder, the town provides an affordable middle ground for people working in either city. It's also close to the Broomfield area's high-tech corridor as well as the conveniences and cultural activities of neighboring Lafayette, Louisville and Longmont.