What is the longest wickedest street in the United States?

The Wickedest Mile, or a Wicked Thousand? Deconstructing the Legend of Colfax Avenue

Colfax Avenue. The name itself conjures images of a vibrant, perhaps slightly disreputable, thoroughfare. Once crowned “America’s wickedest street” by Playboy magazine, its claim to infamy persists, though its actual length – and therefore, the extent of its wickedness – remains fiercely debated.

The official designation of Colfax Avenue generally refers to the section within Denver, Colorado. This segment, undeniably bustling and historically significant, forms a crucial artery through the city. However, the “wickedest street” moniker implies something more than just length; it suggests a history rich in both notoriety and allure. This is where the debate truly begins.

The more conservative interpretation limits Colfax Avenue’s “wickedest” stretch to the area between the Interstate 70 crossings – east and west – within Denver city limits. This section has undeniably witnessed its share of colorful characters, saloons, and moments of historical – and sometimes scandalous – significance. It’s a tangible, easily mapped area, ripe with stories that contribute to its legendary status.

But those familiar with the broader history of US Highway 40, which Colfax Avenue follows in sections, offer a different perspective. They argue that the avenue’s true length extends far beyond Denver’s city limits, stretching across state lines, from Utah in the west to Kansas in the east. This significantly broadens the scope of the “wickedest street” claim. Suddenly, the narrative shifts from a vibrant city artery to a sprawling, trans-state tapestry woven with a myriad of individual tales, each contributing to the overall legend.

The ambiguity of Colfax Avenue’s geographical extent perfectly mirrors the ambiguity of the term “wickedest.” Does “wickedest” refer to a concentration of illicit activities within a specific area, a sustained history of morally ambiguous behavior, or perhaps a vibrant, transgressive energy that defies easy categorization?

The truth is likely a blend of all three. The Denver section undoubtedly holds a strong claim to infamy, but extending the “wickedest street” designation to the entire length of the route acknowledges a more complex narrative, one that embraces the diverse histories and character of countless towns and communities along Highway 40.

Ultimately, the question of Colfax Avenue’s length, and therefore its claim to the title of “America’s wickedest street,” remains unanswered. It’s a question better left open to interpretation, a testament to the enduring power of myth and legend, and a reminder that the true story of a place often lies not in its precise geographical boundaries, but in the collective memories and stories it inspires. And in this respect, Colfax Avenue, whether a mile or a thousand, remains undeniably captivating.