Located in the northern part of the state of Colorado and the seat of Weld County, Greeley is situated in the north-northeast of the city of Denver. It was founded in 1870 as a Union Colony, whose economy was developed to become agricultural-based with food processing and canning being its primary industries. The cattle feeding industry has become an important part of the economy. The city’s nearby area is extensively irrigated by different rivers as its source, and that water-diversion projects were being established. The University of Northern Colorado and the Aims Community College was established in Greeley. Every year the city celebrates the Greeley Independence Stampede, a rodeo festival that is attended by visitors and competitors throughout the West that is held every June and July.