The Automobile Comes to Fort Collins with Malcolm McNeill

Date and Time

• Thursday, Oct 15, 2026  6pm - 7pm

Location

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Details

At the turn of the 20th century, a new machine was rattling down Fort Collins' dirt streets, and nothing would be the same again. Join local historian Malcolm McNeill for a look at the pioneers, vehicles, and wild first years of the automobile age in Fort Collins, based on his book of the same name.

McNeill draws on vintage photographs, some never before published, and lively accounts from turn-of-the-century local newspapers to bring this chapter of Fort Collins history to life, from the Curved-Dash Oldsmobile and Stanley Steamer to the town's strict 12 mph speed limit. Expect great stories and colorful characters along the way!

Malcolm McNeill is the co-author of two other books on Fort Collins history, Fort Collins: Then & Now and Fort Collins: The Miller Photographs, and a longtime collector of Fort Collins images. He also runs a blog about his discoveries: Fort Collins Images. He pieced this story together from early newspaper archives and oral histories.

This hour-long talk will be followed by a Q&A. Copies of The Automobile Comes to Fort Collins will be available for purchase in our gift shop.

Admission: $10

Light snacks and refreshments provided.

This event is produced by an outside organization and is unaffiliated with the Downtown Development Authority. The DDA website serves as a marketing outlet for events and promotions occurring inside the Downtown boundary. For questions regarding the event, please contact the event producer.