Every town needs a viable economy to survive. By learning about your town's beginnings and early businesses you can better understand how certain industries played vital roles in the formation of your community. You might also discover how and why your town developed as it did. Some of the key industries Boulder relied on in its earliest years are listed below. An emphasis is made on two businesses mentioned in the flood case study that made significant contributions to the town's economy. Agriculture Learn more about how Boulder's agricultural community started and what products were grown to supply the town with food. Mining Central to Boulder’s beginning, uncover the different types of mining that made pivotal contributions to the area’s economy. Railroads A necessary industry for mining, the Boulder mountain railroad system was a difficult venture plagued with financial and environmental problems. Discover more about the ups and downs of one of Boulder’s key transportation industries. Boulder Brewing Company Discover how photographs and maps help to tell the story of two German families who were part of a long-standing tradition of brewing that still survives today. Boulder City Flour Mills Learn about one of Boulder's many grist mills, and how you can piece together a company history from a handful of sources