Welcome to The Denver Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Denver startup for portable showers plans expansion

• Upcoming Denver Nuggets home game

• A deep-dive into the life of John Evans

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“If you can’t yet do great things, do small things in a great way.”

―Napoleon Hill

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

In Denver, which park is known for its iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre?

A) City Park

B) Washington Park

C) Red Rocks Park

D) Cheesman Park

Answer to Last Week's Trivia

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The Denver museum famous for its collection of Native American art and artifacts is A) Denver Art Museum.

News

💼 Business

Denver startup specializing in portable showers aims to raise $1 million for expansion​​. (link)

Renowned Denver restaurant 'The Mountain Grill' filed for bankruptcy. (link)

🏒 Sports

Denver Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat in a close game with a final score of 112-108. (link)

High school wrestling state championships held in Denver saw Cherry Creek High winning multiple titles. (link)

🏦 Finance

Denver's unemployment rate dropped to 3.2% in January 2024. (link)

City of Denver announced a new initiative to support small businesses with micro-loans. (link)

Colorado State Bank & Trust reported a record high in quarterly earnings. (link)

Denver-based investment firm Peak Capital launched a new sustainability-focused fund. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

 🏀 Denver Nuggets vs. Sacramento Kings
Ball Arena, Denver
Tuesday, Feb. 28th | (More Info)

🏒 Colorado Avalanche vs. Dallas Stars
Ball Arena, Denver
Tuesday, Feb. 27th | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Nicki Minaj
Ball Arena, Denver
Monday, Mar. 3rd | (More Info)

🎵 AC Slater
Mission Ballroom, Denver
Friday, Mar. 1st | (More Info)

🎸Club 90s
Ball Arena, Denver
Saturday, Mar. 2nd | (More Info)

Family

🍲 Dinosaur Discovery Day
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Saturday, March 2nd | (More Info)

🎪 Denver Family Fest
National Western Complex, Denver
Saturday, March 2nd | (More Info)

🎨 Denver Art Museum Family Day
National Western Complex, Denver
Sunday, March 3rd | (More Info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Retro-futuristic 1950s style Denver with modern technology” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Denver Historical Events

The Battle of Glorieta Pass (1862)

The Battle of Glorieta Pass, a pivotal engagement of the American Civil War, took place from March 26-28, 1862, in the northern New Mexico Territory. This battle was a key strategic win for the Union, as it marked the culminating engagement of the New Mexico Campaign. Brigadier General Henry H. Sibley led Confederate forces in an attempt to drive Union troops from the region and open a path to California. Referred to as the "Gettysburg of the West" by historians, the battle saw Federal forces under John P. Slough defeat the invading Confederate forces, ending the Southern invasion and securing the territory and other parts of the western United States.

The Battle of Glorieta Pass was a running battle along canyon and ridge, and it ultimately led to the retreat of the Confederate forces back to Texas. The engagement took place at an elevation above 7,000 feet, making it a challenging and significant event in the winter months of 1862. The Union Army's destruction of the Confederate supply train and the subsequent retreat of the Southern forces marked a turning point in the Civil War, with far-reaching consequences for the conflict over slavery in the West.

Today, the Battle of Glorieta Pass is remembered as a crucial moment in the American Civil War, with its impact on the Western Theater of the conflict and its lasting significance in the history of New Mexico and the western United States.

Famous People From Denver

John Evans (1862-1865)

John Evans, the second territorial governor of Colorado, played a pivotal role in the development of Denver and the Colorado Territory. His contributions to the city and the region were far-reaching, encompassing areas such as education, transportation, and real estate. Evans's legacy is marked by his vision for growth and progress, as well as his involvement in significant historical events.

Early Life and Vision for Denver (1814-1861)

John Evans was born in Waynesville, Ohio, on March 9, 1814. He graduated with an M.D. from Clermont Academy in 1838 and went on to become a prominent figure in the development of the Colorado Territory. Evans's vision for Denver included the establishment of vital infrastructure and educational institutions that would shape the city's future.

Contributions to Denver's Development (1862-1865)

As the second territorial governor of Colorado from 1862 to 1865, John Evans played a key role in bringing the railroad to Denver, a significant milestone in the city's growth. His efforts in securing federal land grants and railroad contracts were instrumental in routing railroads through Denver, contributing to the city's expansion and economic development.

Founding the Colorado Seminary (1864)

One of Evans's enduring contributions to Denver was the founding of the Colorado Seminary, which later became the University of Denver. This educational institution played a crucial role in shaping Denver's academic landscape and continues to be a prominent presence in the city's higher education sector.

Involvement in Historical Events (1864)

Evans's tenure as governor was marred by the Sand Creek massacre in November 1864, where peaceful Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians were attacked. The aftermath of this tragic event led to Evans's resignation, marking a dark chapter in Denver's history and shaping the city's relationship with indigenous communities.

Legacy and Visionary Leadership

John Evans's legacy as a visionary leader is evident in his contributions to Denver's development, including the establishment of educational institutions and the expansion of vital infrastructure. His role in historical events, while controversial, underscores the complex nature of Denver's history and the impact of key figures on the city's trajectory.

Key Achievements of John Evans:

• Instrumental in bringing the railroad to Denver, contributing to the city's economic growth.

• Founded the Colorado Seminary, which later became the University of Denver, shaping the city's academic landscape.

• Played a pivotal role in the development of the Colorado Territory, leaving a lasting impact on Denver's history and growth.

John Evans's legacy as the second territorial governor of Colorado is marked by his vision for progress and his enduring contributions to Denver's development. His involvement in historical events, while contentious, reflects the complex and multifaceted nature of the city's history.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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