William Larimer Jr. (October 24, 1809 – May 16, 1875) was an American businessman, investor, militia general, and politician who is best known as the founder of Denver, Colorado, in 1858.

[4] On November 22, 1858, Larimer arrived at a hill overlooking the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River.

The site was across Cherry Creek from the existing settlement of Auraria, founded by William Greenburry Russell who is credited with starting the Pike's Peak Gold Rush.

"[4] Larimer planned the site and aggressively sold tracts to miners and other migrants traveling through the Rocky Mountains.

[citation needed] After this unexpected turn of events, Larimer became a United States commissioner and a judge of probate for the First Judicial District of Colorado.