Activities for Kids and Families

There was an African American Town in Colorado
O. T. Jackson established the town of Dearfield near Greeley, Colorado, in 1910. He hoped that African Americans would come from all over the country to help build this farming community. At its height, 700 people called Dearfield home. 

One Colorado Woman Spent 47 Years Trying to Find Her Daughter
In 1835, Clara Brown was separated from her children at a slave auction in Kentucky. When her master died, Clara got her freedom and moved to Colorado. She worked hard and made a lot of money, so that she could travel and search for her family. Finally in 1882, Brown was reunited with her daughter.

An African American was a Member of the Crow Indian Tribe
James Beckwourth was born in Virginia in 1798, but spent most of his life in the West. In 1828, he became a member of the Crow tribe. He lived with them for six years while working for the American Fur Company as a trapper.

Can you match these accomplishments with the African Americans who lived in Colorado?

1. Clara Brown
2. O. T. Jackson
3. Barney Ford
4. Elizabeth Ensley

a. founded the town of Dearfield
b. born a slave, she became a successful businesswoman
c. fought for women’s suffrage
d. businessman, prospector, activist, and educator

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