Clara Brown (1800–1885) was a formerly enslaved woman who became a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader in Colorado. Born into slavery in Virginia, she was separated from her family when she was sold at auction. Brown gained her freedom in 1856 upon the death of her owner who release her from bondage in his will. She traveled west during the Gold Rush, working as a cook, laundress, and midwife in Colorado’s mining camps.
Brown amassed wealth through real estate and business investments, using her resources to support formerly enslaved people, build schools and churches, and assist Black settlers in the West. Despite her own hardships, including never finding her lost family, she remained committed to helping others.
Known as the "Angel of the Rockies," Brown's legacy is one of resilience, generosity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Her contributions to Colorado’s Black community were widely recognized, and she was posthumously inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame, cementing her place in history.
The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of Black American History. The Unhidden Minute is part of the Unhidden Podcast Project supported through a National Geographic Explorer Grant from the National Geographic Society, with the cooperation of the National Park Service. This series elevates the untold stories of Black American historical figures, events and cultural contributions.
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