Ever wonder what it was like when West Colfax was “No Man’s Land”? Today, we’re standing in West Colfax, a neighborhood in Denver with a vibrant past. It’s a place that has seen many changes. West Colfax has evolved from scattered shacks to a diverse community.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine the late 1800s. West Colfax was sparsely populated. It was known by names like “No Man’s Land” and “Jim’s Town”. Not exactly the most inviting nicknames.
Then came a wave of Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. They transformed this area. They turned “No Man’s Land” into a thriving European-style neighborhood. West Colfax Avenue became a bustling hub. Two-story brick buildings lined the street. Saloons, stores, a hotel, and restaurants sprang up. Hay wagons and peddlers traveled to Denver from Golden and Morrison.
The Town of Colfax was established in 1891. It had about 300 residents. Golden Avenue served as its main street, connecting Denver and Golden. Later, in 1896, it was renamed Colfax Avenue. A year later, Denver annexed the Town of Colfax.
In the early 1900s, West Colfax continued to grow. Colfax Elementary and Lake Junior High School were built in the 1920s. They accommodated the increasing population. The Great Depression slowed development. But the 1940s and 1950s saw a housing boom. This extended into the Barnum and Sloan’s Lake areas.
The 1960s brought another wave of immigrants. This time, it was Latinos. Young Anglo families arrived in the 1970s. Southeast Asians followed in the mid-1970s. West Colfax became a melting pot. Today, it’s home to Anglo, Jewish, African American, Latino, Native American, and Southeast Asian residents.
West Colfax Avenue has always been a vital artery. It once served as the Golden Road, linking Denver to Golden. Travelers and traders passed through. They transported agricultural goods to Denver. In 1896, the street was renamed for Vice President Schuyler Colfax.
Colfax Avenue stretches for 26 miles. It runs from Aurora to the mountains. An observer once described it as a “gigantic core sample” of Denver’s history. The street has prospered, declined, and been renewed.
Today, West Colfax is undergoing revitalization. There are new libraries and redevelopments. Its proximity to downtown Denver offers promise. Still, West Colfax is considered an at-risk neighborhood. Many residents are younger, poorer, and less educated. But it is also a community of diverse households.
One remarkable resident is Nettie Moore. She has been a West Colfax activist for over 80 years. She has worked to improve the quality of life for everyone. A park and apartment building are named after her. This ensures her legacy lives on.
West Colfax has a fascinating story. It’s a story of immigrants, booms, and busts. It’s a story of resilience and diversity. As we stand here today, we can see the layers of history all around us. West Colfax continues to evolve. It preserves its unique character.