subject: Visiting The Old West [print this page] Denver, Colorado may seem like backcountry to most and dead wilderness to others, but it is actually a bustling city full of history, life, and fun things to do. Denver is the center of the Wild West and the history that comes along with those exciting stories.
One of the many things you can do in Denver is learn about the history of the Wild West and experience some of that exciting lifestyle yourself. The Black American West Museum is a great place to start.
The Black American West Museum was founded in 1971 by Paul W. Stewart. This museum is primarily responsible for the collection, preserving and sharing the stories and artifacts that tell the stories of the African Americans who lived during the time of the Old West.
Throughout time the Black American West Museum has become a treasure trove of stories concerning Black cowboys, miners, soldiers, homesteaders, ranchers, blacksmiths, schoolteachers, lawmen, and so forth. The building that this museum is housed in is even the home of Dr. Justina Ford.
Dr. Justina Ford was Colorado's first Black woman doctor. She was a pioneer as it was very uncommon for women to be doctors during her lifetime.
Each of the different occupations are grouped together into different exhibits. The homestead exhibit mainly focuses on the nearby town of Dearfield, Colorado.
This small pioneer town was primarily the home of many Black Americans. Dearfield was established by O.T. Jackson in 1910.
It is located to the east of Greeley, Colorado and had a population of 500 residents. O.T. Jackson based the town on the principles of Booker T. Washington.
Based on these principles, the town was very successful and grew until the 1930s. This was when a combination of the economic depression, drought, and dust storms caused most the residents to leave to find work in the cities.
By the end of these things in the 1940s, only about 12 people remained in this town. A few years later, even these people left.
Today, the ghost town still marks the legacy of these brave, pioneering people. Interested tourists can visit this town and imagine the full extent, of the once bustling town.
The cowboy exhibit is also very popular. It features stories, photos, and items related to the stories of both famous and non-famous cowboys.
Their saddles, spurs, hats, chaps, boots, and other cowboy accessories can all be examined. You will be given the opportunity to impress and teach your little son about how these cool cowboy tools were used in everyday life.
It is also interesting to note that one out of every three cowboys was black. There are a lot of stories and histories that go along with these cowboys.
The military exhibit may also be interesting to a small son. Here the primary story that you will be able to follow is that of the Buffalo Soldiers.
The Buffalo Soldiers were the Black units in the cavalry and infantry that helped settle the West. You will also be able to learn the history of the Tuskegee airmen.
These men have some very impressive stories from World War II. Photographs, timelines and artifacts also mark the histories of these men.
Some of the artifacts you will see include uniforms, saddles, weapons, and many other tools. The museum also features a hall of education and a theatre.
The theatre shows old Western movies starring Herbert Jeffries. These movies feature a Black cowboy who sings in the 1930s.
There is also a shorter movie that features more information on Dearfield, Colorado. This movie lasts a half an hour in length.
Then, if you are interested in something to take home with you, it is time to explore the bookstore that is located up the back stairs of the museum. Here there are many titles and books solely on the Old West.
After spending a very enjoyable day browsing through the museum, you may want to take your family outdoors to enjoy some of the Old Western nature. There are several companies in the area that are willing to take your family for a wagon or sleigh ride depending on the time of year.
Children are bound to be fascinated by the horses. In addition, nothing can beat the charm of a sleigh ride around Christmas time.
Some companies even offer an old-fashioned dinner on the ride. Add family appropriate entertainment to the homemade meal and you will have a very enjoyable experience that you and your family will never forget in Denver, Colorado.
