Barney Ford House Museum - Breckenridge, CO - Colorado Historical Markers on Waymarking.com

Barney Ford House Museum at 111 East Washington Avenue in Breckenridge is a work in progress as the curators both demonstrate the fascinating life of Barney Ford and highlight the contributions of minorities to Colorado and American history. This 1882 Victorian home in downtown Breckenridge is being restored as a tribute to Barney L. Ford. Born January 22, 1822 in Stafford, Virginia, Ford grew up as a slave on a South Carolina plantation but escaped to Chicago. He became active in the abolition movement while in Chicago after meeting Henry O. Wagoner, an active member of the Underground Railroad. Ford later married Wagoner's sister-in-law Julia.

In 1860, the Fords moved to Colorado. Ford purchased land on Blake Street in Denver and built a small building there only to have it destroyed by fire the following year. He rebuilt the current brick building in which was located a restaurant, bar, barber shop and hair salon. From this initial business venture, Ford expanded his commercial holdings steadily. By 1854, Ford was generating the 14th highest income in the state of Colorado, the result of his numerous income-producing properties, including hotels in Denver and Cheyenne, Wyoming.

In 1880, Ford became the first black businessman in Breckenridge when he opened Ford’s Restaurant and Chop House. Located at 111 East Washington Avenue, the Barney Ford House was designed and built in 1882 for Ford, his wife Julia and their three children by prominent craftsman Elias Nashold. In its day, the house was considered a showplace home in Breckenridge.

Ford played a significant role in the admission of Colorado to the Union as a free state. A member of the Republican party, Ford was the first African American to be nominated to the Colorado Territorial Legislature. In 1865, Ford successfully lobbied the Federal government for black voting rights in Colorado, enlisting the support of Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts.

Emanuel Martinez of Denver, Colorado.

Group or Groups Responsible for Placement: Town of Breckenridge County or City: Breckenridge Date Dedicated: Unknown Check here for Web link(s) for additional information: [Web Link]

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