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20th Century & Beyond

As Colorado entered the 20th century, technology became more advanced, buildings grew higher, and Colorado’s economy prospered, bouncing back after the panic of 1893. As the century progressed, however, the Great Depression and the two World Wars would greatly affect the lives of Coloradans.

By the second half of the century, Colorado entered an age of modernization, led by Federico Peña, Patricia Schroeder, and others. 20th Century Colorado also produced several well-known entertainers, such as actors Harold Lloyd, Douglas Fairbanks, and Hattie McDaniel; and musicians Glenn Miller and Judy Collins.

At the same time, men and women like Josephine Roche, Florence Rena Sabin, and Rudolfo “Corky” Gonzales fought for better lives for all Coloradans.

20th Century & Beyond

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…

Madison Basch, February 1, 2019
20th Century & Beyond

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…

Colorado Virtual Library, April 5, 2017
20th Century & Beyond

Jack Dempsey: Prize-fighter, Actor and Author

When: 1895-1983 Where: Manassa, CO Why Important: Professional Boxer Biography William Harrison “Jack” Dempsey was…

Colorado Virtual Library, December 12, 2016
20th Century & Beyond

John Denver: Singer and Songwriter

When: 1943-1997 Where: Aspen, Colorado Why Important: Award winning musician, singer and activist. Biography John…

Colorado Virtual Library, August 26, 2016
20th Century & Beyond

Mamie Eisenhower: First Lady and Humanitarian

When: 1896-1979 Where: Born in Iowa; grew up in Colorado Springs and Denver Why Important: Humanitarian and…

Colorado Virtual Library, July 13, 2015
20th Century & Beyond

Justina Ford: Denver’s First Female African American Physician

  When: 1871 – 1952 Where: Born in Knoxville, Illinois, moved to Chicago and then to…

Colorado Virtual Library, July 13, 2015
20th Century & Beyond

Josephine Roche: Police Woman and Labor Advocate

When: 1886 – 1976 Where: Born in Nebraska and educated in New York, she moved to…

Colorado Virtual Library, July 13, 2015
20th Century & Beyond

Federico Peña: Mayor of Denver

When: 1947 – Present Where: Born in Laredo, Texas, moved to Denver Why Important: First Hispanic mayor,…

Colorado Virtual Library, July 13, 2015
20th Century & Beyond

Dr. Florence Rena Sabin: Doctor and Medical Reformer

When: 1871 – 1953 Where: Central City and Denver Why Important: Dr. Sabin was the first female…

Colorado Virtual Library, July 13, 2015
20th Century & Beyond

Mary McDonough Coyle Chase: Journalist, Playwright, Screenwriter

When: 1906-1981 Where: Denver, CO Why Important: Journalist and nationally-known playwright Biography Mary McDonough Coyle Chase lived…

Colorado Virtual Library, July 13, 2015
20th Century & Beyond

Marilyn Van Derbur Atler: Miss America 1958

When: 1937-Present Where: Born and raised in Denver, CO Why Important: Miss America 1958, public speaker, and…

Colorado Virtual Library, July 13, 2015
20th Century & Beyond

Judy Collins: Grammy-Winning Musician, Singer and Activist

When: 1939-Present Where: Denver, CO Why Important: Grammy-winning Musician, Singer and Activist Biography Judy Collins is most famous…

Colorado Virtual Library, July 13, 2015
20th Century & Beyond

John “Jack” Swigert: Astronaut, Congressman

When: 1931-1982 Where: Born and raised in Denver, CO Why Important: One of 24 people who have…

Colorado Virtual Library, July 13, 2015
20th Century & Beyond

Harold Lloyd: Actor

When: 1893-1971 Where: Born in Nebraska, moved to Denver, and later to California Why Important: One of…

Colorado Virtual Library, July 13, 2015
20th Century & Beyond

Golda Meir: Prime Minister of Israel

When: 1898-1978 Where: Denver, CO Why Important: Prime Minister of Israel Biography A child of Jewish parents,…

Colorado Virtual Library, July 13, 2015
20th Century & Beyond

Glenn Miller: Musician and Bandleader

When: 1904-1944 Where: Fort Morgan and Boulder, CO Why Important: Musician/Bandleader Biography Glenn Miller was one of…

Colorado Virtual Library, July 13, 2015
20th Century & Beyond

Douglas Fairbanks, Sr.: Silent Film Actor

When: 1883-1939 Where: Born and raised in Denver Why Important: Well-loved silent film actor and star of…

Colorado Virtual Library, July 13, 2015
20th Century & Beyond

Susan Anderson, Mountain Doctor

When: 1870 – 1960 Where: Born in Indiana, and later moved to Cripple Creek, Denver, Greeley,…

Colorado Virtual Library, July 13, 2015
20th Century & Beyond

Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales: Boxer, Writer, Activist

When: 1928-2005 Where: Denver and Brighton Why Important: Gonzales was a boxer, writer, and Chicano activist. Biography…

Colorado Virtual Library, July 13, 2015
20th Century & Beyond

Robert Speer, Denver’s “City Beautiful” Mayor

When: 1856 – 1918 Where: Denver, Colorado Why Important: Mayor who worked to beautify Denver Biography Born…

Colorado Virtual Library, July 13, 2015
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Digital Colorado Sections

  • Colorado Histories
    • Colorado’s Beginnings
    • Boom Years
    • 20th Century & Beyond
    • All Bios, Alphabetically
  • CVL Collections
  • Historic Newspapers
  • Plains to Peaks Collective

Related Sites

Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection

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Leigh Jeremias
Digital Collections Consultant
ljeremias@coloradovirtuallibrary.org

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