HRHS Tidbits

New Highlands Ranch Historical Society President

David Johnston was unanimously elected President of the Highlands Ranch Historical Society at the September 14, 2022 HR Historical Society board meeting. He replaces David Hill. David Johnston, who is also known as DJ, had previously served as Secretary of the HRHS...

Fire Fighting in Highlands Ranch

Highlands Ranch South Metro Fire Dept. Puts Out More Than Fires: The History of Fire Fighting in HR Highlands Ranch’s early residents had no fire and rescue services. “Before 1986, Highlands Ranch was not located within a fire district,” said Eric Hurst, Public...

Douglas County Sheriff Substation in Highlands Ranch

Highlands Ranch Douglas County Sheriff Officers Visible in Community   Douglas County sheriff deputies are visible in Highlands Ranch—more often as goodwill ambassadors rather than law enforcers. But this is getting ahead of the story. The county’s law...

The First House in Modern Day Highlands Ranch

IN THE BEGINNING:  THE FIRST HOUSE  When Philip and Kaye Scott closed on the first house in the new community of Highlands Ranch on Sept. 28, 1981, developer Mission Viejo gave them a bonus—a 650-pound steer! “We had to buy a full-size freezer for all the roasts,...

Highlands Ranch-Home is Where the Heart Is

Highlands Ranch: “Home is Where the Heart is” Highlands Ranch has bragging rights for numerous awards. Long-time residents Debbie and Ken Rudolph and Diane and Dennis Pahler attest to its quality of life. In January 1980, Ken started his job as director of engineering...

Pronghorns in Highlands Ranch

Pronghorns have a special place in the history of Highlands Ranch!  They are unique and beautiful animals, and once roamed freely on the land that would become Highlands Ranch.  Highlands Ranch when Mission Viejo first arrived....no homes, lots of pronghorn! Mission...

Bird Art in Highlands Ranch

Bird art, like animal art, also dots the Highlands Ranch landscape. THE EPIC BIRD The bird “flying” on signs is immediately recognizable to drivers entering Highlands Ranch. In 1981, builder Mission Viejo asked Brock and Associates marketing firm to develop a logo for...