Immigrants play an important role in American history, and Colorado history as a whole. They deeply add to the culture, the history, economy, and society. Without immigrants, the country and state would be a lot more hollow.
Colorado history has been marked by immigration. Many colonizers came to the state starting from the 1860’s in search of gold and other minerals. Onwards from the 1800’s, the bustle of a diverse population came flooding into Colorado. Laborers, miners, and others came to Colorado in search of land, industry, and work in the hopes of bettering their lives. This rich tradition of people improving their station still continues today, with about 10.5% of Colorado’s population being immigrants. Even those who are not immigrants themselves are either descendants of ones (which is everybody but Native Americans), or will likely know some. Colorado’s rich history of immigration and immigrants can be seen in some notable examples such as: Chin Lin Sou, Henry O. Wagoner, and Naquetta Ricks.
Chin Lin Sou (1826-1894) came to the US in 1859 from Guangzhou, China. He worked on the transcontinental railroad as a foreman and contractor to other Chinese workers, (fun fact, many of those who worked on the railroad were Chinese and Irish immigrants). He eventually moved to Colorado near Black Hawk in 1871 after the completion of the railroad, making himself one of the first Chinese immigrants in the state. Chin Lin Sou became a successful merchant, he bought abandoned mines and then sold them. He also operated mines and handled 300 Chinese mine workers. Chin Lin Sou was a major advocate and figure within the Chinese community in Colorado, known as the unofficial “mayor of Chinatown.” Chin Lin Sou fought against the discrimination Chinese people in America and Colorado were facing. Lots of Chin Lin Sou’s descendants remained in Colorado even into modern day, and continued Chin Lin Sou’s wealth and prosperity. He currently has a stained glass window of him in the Denver capital building. Chin Lin Sou’s dedication and perseverance during his time help establish safety and work for many Chinese immigrants who shaped Colorado into what it is today.
Henry O. Wagoner (1861-1901) was born in Hagerstown, Maryland to a German immigrant father and African-American mother who was previously enslaved. He was devoted abolitionist and anti-slavery advocate. In Baltimore, he worked with the Underground Railroad, and he later worked as a teacher in Missouri to black school children, and eventually also teaching in Ontario. Wagner during his time wrote anti-slavery rhetoric for several newspapers such as the Northwestern Gazette. Wagner settled in Chicago, and he solidified himself as a prominent member in the community with his activism and journalism. Wagoner, a big proponent for education and community building, helped find the Literary and Debating Society at Quinn Chapel. This society promoted intellectual and activism work among Black Chichagones, having debates on abolitionism, improving literacy, and organizing work. Frederick Douglass, who eventually became close with Wagner hired him to write for his newspaper, The Frederick Douglass Paper. Henry came to be known as the “Douglass of Colorado.” He owned several businesses in Colorado, establishing himself as one of the wealthiest African-Americans in the state. Through his time at Colorado, he continued his advocacy work for black men’s suffrage and for black Americans’ right to education. Alongside one of Frederick Douglass’ sons, Lewis Henry, they taught black adults literacy and writing until Denver founded a segregated school. Wagner also became the first and only black deputy in Arapahoe county. Wagner, while facing much sorrow throughout his life, losing his wife, Susan and six of his eight kids, has had an indelible impact on African Americans communities in both Chicago and Colorado, he cemented his legacy and will long be remembered.
Naquetta Ricks, a more contemporary example on the positive impact immigration had on Colorado, was born in Liberia, and during the First Liberia War, fled to the US at age 13. She was raised in Aurora, Colorado, and obtained an accounting and business degree from Metropolitan State University and University of Denver respectively. In 2021, she became the first African immigrant in Colorado to assume office. Representing the 40th district in the Colorado House of Representatives (the general assembly), and serves as the chair to Business Affairs and Labor Committee and is also part of the Black Coloradan Racial Equity Committee, showing her productivity and work to better Colorado for all.
The numerous immigrants that make up Colorado improve it for all, and Colorado would be an emptier and without lots of its bustling culture, history, and population. Immigrants are essential and a persistent aspect of the state and have greatly advanced and enriched society and the community as a whole.
