Asian American History in Denver
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. We’re honoring the history and culture of Asian-American and Pacific Islanders here in Colorado. Denver’s Lower Downtown (LoDo) is a vibrant area for businesses and nightlife, but it was also once home to Denver’s Chinatown. Colorado’s Asian community is diverse; approximately 260,000 Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Hawaiians (AAPINH) live in the city. Their cultures from Vietnam, Japan, Thailand, India, and other countries across Asia have had an impact on Denver’s history, politics, and culture.
Although Denver’s Chinatown was once a busy area for thriving businesses run by Asian-American residents, there is little today to honor this historical site besides a plaque, according to History Colorado.
Near present-day Coors Field, Chinatown, also known as Hop Alley, formed along Wazee Street. In the 1870s, it became a residential and business center for Chinese migrants living in Denver. Today, little remains of Denver’s Chinatown beyond a commemorative plaque at the corner of 20th and Blake streets.
The Bloody Riot
In the 1870s, Denver saw an increase in Asian-American residents, which fuled Anti-Chinese sentiments in an already racially tense city. Sensationalized yellow journalism and political pressure framed the Asian American community as a scapegoat for problems with gambling, opium use, and other crimes. On October 31st, 1880, a violent mob formed in Denver’s Chinatown and burned it down.
The media reported the race riot as the “Bloody Riot” to emphasize the events. Asian-American residents were never compensated for this attack despite thousands of dollars worth of damage. The race riot in Denver had significant cultural, political, and historical impacts on the city and the nation. Denver’s Chinatown and the destruction of it impacted and influenced Chinese immigration policy and history in the United States.
Asian American Culture In Denver
Today, Asian-American and Pacific Islander heritage and culture are more celebrated in Denver. Places like Sakura Square sit in the heart of LoDo, which was once a thriving Japantown until the 1950s. LoDo has a strong relationship with Asian-Americans, who, after the Bloody Riot, continued to establish themselves there.
Across Denver, you can find Asian-American culture. Establishments such as the Far East Center were founded by the Vietnamese Luong family in 1986 as a hub for Asian communities and cultures. The Far East Center is still one of Denver’s cultural hubs for Asian culture, cuisine, and shopping.
Despite the city’s tense historical past with the city of Denver, Asian-Americans continued to build their cultural impact. Now, the city celebrates Asian-American and Pacific Islanders with festivals and events such as Mile High Asian Food Week.
AAPI Heritage Month at RMP
We’re celebrating the rich and unique cultures across Asia and the Pacific Islands to highlight their heritage and impact. At RMP, we honor the diverse heritage and cultures reflected in our communities. This month we will share stories highlighting our staff and students to amplify their voices, cultures, and history for AAPI heritage month.