Lyons, Colorado, also known as "The Double Gateway to the Rockies," lies within the valley of the St. Vrain Creek in Boulder County, Colorado. This stream is fed from two canyons to the west, the north and South St. Vrain, allowing dual access into the mountains.

The Town was founded by Edward S. Lyon in 1880 when he purchased the Sawyer Farm. It wasn’t long after Mr. Lyon settled into the area when he noticed the red sandstone in the nearby hills and started a stone quarry business. As his business grew families moved to the Town and surrounding areas. As more families located to the area, businesses that directly or indirectly supported the quarry industry flourished.

For many years, and to some extent today, families depend on the sandstone industry, and the quarries continue to fuel the local economy. A visitor needs only to walk the streets of downtown Lyons to see the influence “red stone” has had on the Town’s culture, history and architecture. It can be fairly stated that this beautiful stone is engrained in the Town’s soul and character.