By the 1870s, the word was out about Colorado. East coast and Midwest prospectors, European immigrants, and African Americans newly freed from slavery, rushed to Denver to find work and their fortune in silver and gold. Captured here in almost 200 vintage images is the story of the African Americans who escaped the oppression and racism of the post Civil War South, and created a city within a city: the Five Points neighborhood of Denver. Named in 1881 for a bustling five-way intersection, the Five Points area became the commercial and social sector for African American churches, businesses, clubs, and homes, and the heart of Denver's black community. Showcased here are the photographs of once thriving Five Points businesses in the Welton Street business district, such as Otha Rice's Tap Room and Oven and the Rossonian Hotel, as well as the familiar faces of the Cosmopolitan Club, Madame CJ Walker, and Dr. Justina Ford, Denver's first African-American female doctor.

A Short History of Denver covers more than 150 years of Denver’s rich history. The book recounts the takeover of Native American lands, the founding of small towns on the South Platte River at the base of the Rocky Mountains, and the creation of a city, which by 1890 was among the nation’s major western urban centers. Leonard and Noel tell the stories of powerful economic and political leaders such as John Evans, Horace Tabor, and David Moffat, and delve into the contributions of women, including Elizabeth Byers and Margaret (Molly) Brown. The book also recognizes the importance of the city’s ethnic communities, including African Americans, Asians, Latinos, and many others. A Short History of Denver portrays the city’s twentieth-century ups and downs, including the City Beautiful movement, political corruption, the rise of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s, and the Great Depression of the 1930s. Here readers will find the meat and potatoes of economic and political history and much more, including sports history, social history, and the history of metropolitan-wide efforts to preserve the past.

Denver enters the Noir Series arena with a wide range of mile-high misgivings and perils. “Denver Noir presents an impressive range of perspectives and observations. Between the writers and their characters, you’ll encounter dozens of distinct and compelling relationships with this place. Maybe you’ll start to see our city—and even yourself—in new ways.” —Denver North Star “Denver Noir is a fascinating exploration of this sunny city’s dark side. Mountain views, a roughneck Gold Rush past, and stories of murder and mayhem make this anthology a must-read for anyone curious about Denver and its environs. Like the countless entries before it, Akashic Books allows an editor to craft an anthology filled with stories varying in tone and perspective.” —New York Journal of Books Akashic Books continues its award-winning series of original noir anthologies, launched in 2004 with Brooklyn Noir. Each book comprises all new stories, each one set in a distinct neighborhood or location within the respective city. Brand-new stories by: Peter Heller, Barbara Nickless, Cynthia Swanson, Mario Acevedo, Francelia Belton, R. Alan Brooks, D.L. Cordero, Amy Drayer, Twanna LaTrice Hill, Manuel Ramos, Mark Stevens, Mathangi Subramanian, David Heska Wanbli Weiden, and Erika T. Wurth.

Over the course of eleven decades, the Denver Dry Goods and its predecessor, McNamara Dry Goods, proudly served Coloradoans, who knew they could 'shop with confidence' for the best quality at the fairest prices. Much more than the goods it sold, the store was a major institution that touched the lives of nearly every Denverite. Festive chandeliers adorned the four-hundred-foot-long main aisle during the holidays, and longtime salesclerks knew customers by name. The doors closed in 1987 and this fascinating history explores the cherished memories of Denver's most beloved department store.

Denver, Boulder, and the surrounding region offer an amazing natural panorama for outdoor enthusiasts and contain some of the best hiking in the world. With such a bewildering wealth of hikes at their disposal, author Kim Lipker presents travelers with a variety of the very best trails in the area, and most within an hour's drive or less. Extensive key-at-a-glance information makes it easy to choose a hike based on length, difficulty, scenery, and more. Including hikes near Fort Collins, Boulder, and Colorado Springs, 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Denver and Boulder is the only guidebook that pinpoints great hikes that are also close to home.

Denver is a city of incredible growth that beckons to the masses from all walks of life. From artists to outdoor enthusiasts, professionals in finance to those who live for finding their next creative outlet, this mountainside city calls out in a dramatic fashion and it’s hard for many to resist. A soaring population has led to a booming job market, drastic changes in housing options and an overwhelming sense that with urban sprawl has arrived endless possibilities. So, what exactly is it that makes Denver so irresistible? Whether you’re considering a quick trip through the city for fun or scouting for a future place to call home, Denver is made up of an ever-growing list of fantastic restaurants, shopping hubs, sporting events and cultural activities that make it one of the most unique places on the map. With a city-scape that is altering itself every day, it’s worth your time to capture the heart of Denver today because tomorrow is destined to bring along something entirely new. When you travel to Denver, you join up with those who are in pursuit of the best art, music and outdoor excursions the state has to offer. From exciting ski trips beyond the Front Range to a day indulging in modern art downtown, Denver is built on diverse passions and has no intention of slowing down when it comes to capitalizing on creativity. It is a city where contrast is celebrated and proudly protected. As new homes, apartments and condominiums hit the market at a breathtaking pace, local organizations work equally hard at preserving those historic homes that make Denver unique. With groups of people committed to making progress while honoring the past, Denver is a place where you can witness the evolution of a city within the context of its very own history. This insider’s guide to Denver gives you the framework for beginning your own travels through the Mile High City. Elevated, eccentric and equally progressive, Denver delivers big on potential while keeping its alluring roots firmly planted in the natural world. About the Expert Caitlyn Knuth is a lifelong writer who was inspired to put a pen to paper as a child long before spelling skills were acquired. Constantly captivated by the pictures words have the power to paint and the owner of a spirit that is always ready for the next travel adventure, she’s found her muse alive and well through the process of exploring new cities and sharing what she’s found with the world. After accepting a job in Denver several years ago, she made it her mission to learn as much about this very new, exciting and eccentric city as possible in an effort to somehow make it home a bit more quickly. With a plan in place to try something new every weekend, it didn’t take long to become captivated with all there was to see and do in the Mile High City. Before long, she had acquired a list of incredible stops to try and sights to see that made up a collection of stories begging to be told. Armed with this wealth of new information, a passion for adventure and a never-ending list of must-try places to pass onto others, she decided to put together a comprehensive guide to the version of Denver she has learned to love. HowExpert publishes quick 'how to' guides on all topics from A to Z by everyday experts.