Touring Colorado’s Collections: Free Online Access to Aspen History
Aspen may be known as a destination for the rich and famous but its history…
Colorado Histories
A 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. The biographies in this section are written at a 4th grade level, and are intended to support the Colorado 4th grade social studies curriculum. Additional biographies not included here are available at the State Publications Library blog.
Notice: Some of these biographies are under revision. Please be patient while we work through them. Thank you.
Browse by era: Colorado Beginnings | Boom Years | 20th Century & Beyond
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Caroline Nichols Churchill: Activist, Suffragist, Author
When: 1833-1926 Where: Born in Canada, but accomplished most of her work in Denver, Colorado…
Elvin R. Caldwell: City Council President, Activist, Community Leader
When: 1919 – 2004 Where: Denver, Colorado Why Important: First African-American City Council Member West of…
“Father” John Lewis Dyer: The Snowshoe Itinerant
When: 1812-1901 Where: Central Colorado Mountains Why important: Beloved circuit-riding Methodist preacher Biography John Lewis…
John Charles Frémont: Senator, Governor, Presidential Candidate, and Explorer
When: 1813-1890 Where: Colorado’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains Why important: Explorer, Presidential Candidate, Civil…
Otto Mears: Pathfinder of the San Juans
When: 1840 – 1931 Where: Born in Russia and came to America at the age of…
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…
Black Kettle: Cheyenne Chief and Peace Negotiator
When: around 1803- 1868 Where: South Dakota Why Important: Native American peace negotiator Biography Black…
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…
Ouray: Ute Chief and Negotiator
When: 1833-1880 Where: Southern Rocky Mountains, CO Why Important: Ute Chief and Treaty Negotiator Biography…
Silas S. Soule: Abolitionist and Brave Soldier
When: 1838-1865 Where: Fort Lyon near Sand Creek, Colorado Why Important Soldier who refused orders…
Jack Dempsey: Prize-fighter, Actor and Author
When: 1895-1983 Where: Manassa, CO Why Important: Professional Boxer Biography William Harrison “Jack” Dempsey was…
David Moffat: Railroad Tycoon and Industrialist
When: 1839-1911 Where: Denver, CO Why Important: Denver Businessman, Colorado railroad owner Biography David Halliday…
John Denver: Singer and Songwriter
When: 1943-1997 Where: Aspen, Colorado Why Important: Award winning musician, singer and activist. Biography John…
Clara Brown: Angel of the Rockies
When: 1800-1882 Where: Central City and Denver Why Important: One of the first African-American women…
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,…
Molly Brown: Suffragist, Socialite and Adventurer
When: 1867-1932 Where: Born in Missouri, lived in Leadville and Denver Why Important: Maggie Brown traveled frequently,…
Mamie Eisenhower: First Lady and Humanitarian
When: 1896-1979 Where: Born in Iowa; grew up in Colorado Springs and Denver Why Important: Humanitarian and…
Frances Wisebart Jacobs: Health Care Activist
When: 1843 – 1892 Where: Central City and Denver Why Important: She helped establish the Jewish Hospital…
Chief Little Raven: Peacemaker
When: c. 1810-1889 Where: Colorado and Oklahoma Why Important: This Chief sought peaceful relations between Native Americans and whites…