The Black Forest is named such for the high density of Ponderosa Pines located in the area. There is evidence that the Black Forest area was occupied by Native Americans at least 800 years ago; the dense Ponderosa Pines provided them with protection, fuel, and timber.
When American pioneers began to settle the region in the late 1850s, the Black Forest became an important center of activity, primarily as a source of scarce timber. The first of what would be several dozen sawmills was constructed in 1860. General Palmer was the first major landowner of Black Forest when he established the Colorado Pinery Trust in 1870, and purchased 43,000 acres in the area.*
The Black Forest Preservation Plan was developed in 1974. Although some newer suburban subdivisions have been created within the boundaries of Black Forest such as Flying Horse Ranch, the community of Black Forest still retains a rural image and legacy. Some of this legacy is in the form of remaining historic sites and structures.**
*Source: Wikipedia
**Source: the Black Forest Preservation Plan