Brief Summary: Clara Brown During The Colorado Gold Rush

During the Colorado Gold Rush, Clara Brown was a freed slave that made her laundry business and other little business a success. She was a black pioneer. Clara was one of the first African American woman in Denver that was a philanthropist and a community leader. She wanted to prove that building relationships could help empower the community. Some women proved that philanthropic activities did not always have to be tied to their husband’s money, even though that was normally how it was. Clara was on a lifelong search that ended with her only receiving two answers. That left her with two unanswered question still. Clara also spent her time in helping former slaves get a fresh start with what they needed to make a go of life, free and on their

She showed kindness to many people there. Central Presbyterian Church in Denver was swarmed with people who showed up for her funeral. Funding her entire funeral, Clara Brown was laid to rest with honors by the Colorado Pioneer Association. The ceremony was attended by many including the mayor of Denver, John L. Routt. During the graveyard ceremony, Governor James s. Grant told mourners that “Aunt Clara” was a kind old friend who always heard the distressful cries of others because of her big heart was always there to help when she could. Clara Brown had commanded our respect and won our

That’s a total of twenty-six years she spent enriching Colorado. She had lived in Denver, up in the mountains, and in Boomtown, Central City. She would have been so honored, but humbled, to be considered "one of the 100 most influential women in the history of Colorado," Clara Brown will forever be remembered by many.

In 1989, a century after her death, Clara Brown was admitted into the Colorado Woman’s Hall of Fame. She is now included in history books. St. James Methodist Church has a plaque commemorating Clara Brown’s life. It hangs at the church in Central City, Colorado. In 2003, an Opera debuted in Central City, Colorado. The opera was called “Gabriel’s Daughter.” It was all about Clara Brown and her life. The Opera House, in the 1930s, had a chair with Clara Brown’s name on it, placed. Well-respected community members are garnered this honor.

Clara was also a member of the Society of Colorado Pioneers, before her death because of her efforts in the Colorado gold rush. Clara’s first home was claimed to be the first church of the Central City area. The St. James Methodist Church have a plaque hanging that explains the