Barney Ford House, 1569 N. High Street
Barney Ford, born into slavery in 1822, freed himself and eventually became a successful African American businessman in Denver. After facing prejudice in Central City and Breckenridge, Ford and his wife Julia settled in Denver in 1860. He opened a barber shop on Blake Street, later rebuilding it after the 1863 fire. By the 1870s, Ford was a prominent figure, serving a term in the Colorado Territorial Legislature.
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In May of 2024 Historic Denver installed an historic plaque in the front of the home. This
Research for the plaque revealed that Ford purchased the High Street home in 1890, with the deed in his wife Julia’s name due to tax advantages. Ford lived there until 1900, subsequently renting it out. The property was sold in 1902 to their daughter, Sarah E. Wormeley. Ford passed away in December 1902 and is buried at Riverside Cemetery, another “50 Actions for 50 Places” site. His legacy endures in Denver’s history, commemorated by a stained glass window in the Colorado State Capitol.