Welcome to The Denver Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• American Ninja Warrior Adventure Park opening in Denver

• Upcoming Denver Nuggets home game

• A deep-dive into the life of Justina Ford

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.”

- Matt Haig

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 what year did the Denver International Airport officially open?

A) 1985

B) 1990

C) 1995

D) 2000

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:
Denver's historic neighborhood known for its Victorian architecture and vibrant nightlife is B) LoDo (Lower Downtown).

News

💼 Business

The American Ninja Warrior Adventure Park is opening in Denver. (link)

Over a dozen new businesses open in downtown Denver, while others close. (link)

Denver oil company strikes multi-million dollar deal to expand in Denver-Julesburg Basin. (link)

Frontier Airlines taps a rival airline's marketing chief to lead commercial division. (link)

🏒 Sports

Denver Broncos face huge Russell Wilson bill despite releasing quarterback. (link)

Denver Broncos interviewed several 2024 draft quarterbacks including Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy, Caleb Williams and more. (link)

Suns Secure Nail-Biting Victory in Overtime Battle Against Denver Nuggets. (link)

LeBron James Makes NBA History vs. Denver Nuggets, becoming the first NBA player ever to score 40,000 points. (link)

🏦 Finance

Denver quantum computing startup raises $25M to open new facility. The new 8,000-square-foot facility will allow the company to scale and offer more lab space to other startups and researchers. (link)

Denver investment adviser acquires $2.5B wealth management firm. (link)

Bitcoiners, Solana Acolytes Crash Ethereum Conference in Denver – for a Reason. (link)

Craft breweries tap suburbs south of Denver to succeed in challenging market. (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. Toronto Raptors
Ball Arena, Denver
Monday, March 11 | 7:00pm (more info)

🏒 NCHC Tournament Quarterfinals (Hockey)
Magness Arena, Denver
Friday, March 15 (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 Tornillo
Marquis Denver, CO
Monday, March 11 | 7:00 PM (more info)

🎤The Snuts
Marquis Denver, CO
Tuesday, March 12 | 7:00 PM (more info)

🎵Colorado Symphony Orchestra
Boettcher Hall Denver, CO
Friday, March 15 | 7:30 PM (more info)

🎷 Doom Flamingo 
Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom Denver, CO
Saturday, March 16 | 8:00 PM (more info)

Family

🎨 Create Playdate
Denver Art Museum
Thursday, March 14 | 10:00AM - 12:00PM (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 “A steampunk-themed Denver with Victorian architecture” 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

Completion of the Transcontinental Telegraph (1861)

The completion of the Transcontinental Telegraph in 1861 marked a significant milestone in the history of Denver, as it connected the city to the rest of the nation through high-speed communications. The telegraph line, constructed by the Western Union Company, stretched from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California, covering a distance of 2,000 miles. This achievement allowed for fast and efficient communication between the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, bringing Denver into the network of telegraph lines that crisscrossed the country by the 1880s.

The completion of the Transcontinental Telegraph in 1861 had a profound impact on Denver, as it facilitated the integration of the city into the national communication network. The telegraph line, consisting of 27,500 poles and 2,000 miles of single-strand iron wire, traversed challenging terrain to connect Denver to the rest of the nation. This development played a crucial role in linking people and businesses across the country, making the telegraph an integral part of American life by the turn of the century.

The Transcontinental Telegraph, completed in 1861, was a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the individuals involved in its construction. The telegraph system on the Central Route, which included Denver, united the states with telegraphs and railroads, paving the way for the interconnectedness of the nation. This achievement laid the foundation for the rapid expansion of telegraph lines and the establishment of the Western Union Telegraph Company, which became the largest in the United States by the 1860s.

Famous People From Denver

Justina Ford - First African American female doctor in Denver.

Justina Ford, born in Knoxville, Illinois in 1871, was a medical pioneer and Denver's first licensed African American female doctor. She is best known for her obstetrics and pediatric work in Denver's Five Points community. Patients affectionately referred to her as "the Baby Doctor," and it is estimated that she delivered over 7,000 babies during her fifty years as a doctor in Denver.

Early Life and Inspiration for Medicine

Justina Ford was inspired to pursue a career in medicine after witnessing her mother provide nursing services to slaves. This early exposure to healthcare instilled in her a passion for healing and caring for others. Her determination to enter the medical field was fueled by a desire to make a difference in the lives of those in need.

Medical Education and Overcoming Adversity

In 1899, Justina Ford graduated from medical school, a few years after marrying Reverend John L. Ford. Her journey to becoming a licensed doctor was marked by significant challenges, including prejudice and discrimination. Despite facing numerous obstacles, she persevered and became one of the first licensed female doctors and the first African American doctor in Denver, Colorado, under license number 3800.

Pioneering Work in Denver's Five Points Community

Upon obtaining her medical license, Justina Ford dedicated herself to serving the Five Points community in Denver. She provided obstetrics and pediatric care, earning a reputation as a compassionate and skilled doctor. Her commitment to her patients and her pioneering role as a female African American doctor made a lasting impact on the community.

Struggles and Triumphs in a Segregated Society

Dr. Justina Ford faced discrimination and was denied privileges at hospitals, forcing her to see patients at her home and make house calls. Despite these challenges, she continued to deliver babies and provide medical care, earning the nickname "the Mother Teresa of Denver." Her resilience and dedication to her patients in the face of adversity are a testament to her unwavering commitment to healthcare.

Legacy and Recognition

Justina Ford's legacy as a trailblazing African American female doctor in Denver is celebrated and honored. Her house, where she practiced medicine, is now the home of the Black American West Museum & Heritage Center. The University of Colorado established the Justina Ford Medical Society and a scholarship in her name, recognizing her pioneering contributions to the medical field.

Remembering Dr. Justina Ford

Denver celebrated Dr. Justina Ford's 150th birthday in 2021, commemorating her enduring impact on the city's medical history. Her remarkable career, marked by compassion, perseverance, and groundbreaking achievements, continues to inspire future generations and serves as a testament to the power of determination and dedication.

Key Achievements:

• Overcame prejudice and discrimination to become Denver's first licensed African American female doctor.

• Delivered over 7,000 babies and provided obstetrics and pediatric care in Denver's Five Points community.

• Pioneered the way for African Americans and women in the medical profession.

• Honored with the establishment of the Justina Ford Medical Society and a scholarship in her name.

• Remembered as a compassionate and dedicated healthcare provider, leaving a lasting legacy in Denver's medical history.

Justina Ford's story is one of resilience, compassion, and pioneering spirit, leaving an indelible mark on Denver's medical landscape and inspiring generations to come.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

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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