Colorado Histories
CategoryA collection of biographies of historically important persons with connections to Colorado. Colorado has a rich history, and here we’re just scratching the surface. Take a look around and explore the biographies of some famous – and infamous – Colorado characters.
Browse by era: Colorado Beginnings | Boom Years | 20th Century & Beyond
Browse all bios alphabetically
Helen Bonfils: Denver Post Co Owner & Philanthropist
When: 1889-1972 Where: Peekskill, N.Y. Why Important: Co-owner of the Denver Post, Philanthropist, Established the Denver Center of the Performing…
Black Kettle: Cheyenne Chief and Peace Negotiator
When: around 1803- 1868 Where: South Dakota Why Important: Native American peace negotiator Biography Black Kettle was born in South…
Julia Archibald Holmes: First Woman to Summit Pike’s Peak
When: 1838-1887 Where: Nova Scotia, Canada Why Important: First woman known to summit Pike’s Peak Biography Julia Archibald was born…
Ouray: Ute Chief and Negotiator
When: 1833-1880 Where: Southern Rocky Mountains, CO Why Important: Ute Chief and Treaty Negotiator Biography Chief Ouray was born November…
Silas S. Soule: Abolitionist and Brave Soldier
When: 1838-1865 Where: Fort Lyon near Sand Creek, Colorado Why Important: Soldier who refused orders to participate in the Sand…
Jack Dempsey: Prize-fighter, Actor and Author
When: 1895-1983 Where: Manassa, CO Why Important: Professional Boxer Biography William Harrison “Jack” Dempsey was born on June 24, 1895…
David Moffat: Railroad Tycoon and Industrialist
When: 1839-1911 Where: Denver, CO Why Important: Denver Businessman, Colorado railroad owner Biography David Halliday Moffat was born in Washingtonville,…
John Denver: Singer and Songwriter
When: 1943-1997 Where: Aspen, Colorado Why Important: Award winning musician, singer and activist. Biography John Denver was born on December…
Clara Brown: Angel of the Rockies
When: 1800-1882 Where: Central City and Denver Why Important: One of the first African-American women to settle in Colorado and…
Chief Little Raven: Peacemaker
When: c. 1810-1889 Where: Colorado and Oklahoma Why Important: This Chief sought peaceful relations between Native Americans and whites even amidst the Sand…
Mamie Eisenhower: First Lady and Humanitarian
When: 1896-1979 Where: Born in Iowa; grew up in Colorado Springs and Denver Why Important: Humanitarian and wife of President Dwight Eisenhower…
Frances Wisebart Jacobs: Health Care Activist
When: 1843 – 1892 Where: Central City and Denver Why Important: She helped establish the Jewish Hospital Association of Colorado, now called…
Casimiro Barela: Perpetual Senator
When: 1847 – 1920 Where: Moved from New Mexico to Trinidad, and then to Barela, Colorado Why Important: Barela served as a…
William Byers: Founder of Rocky Mtn News
When: 1831-1903 Where: Ohio, Iowa, Nebraska, and finally, Denver Why Important: Byers was the greatest Denver promoter, bringing people and money into…
Molly Brown: Suffragist, Socialite and Adventurer
When: 1867-1932 Where: Born in Missouri, lived in Leadville and Denver Why Important: Maggie Brown traveled frequently, gave time and money to…