Denver Part 4 Brown House Museum, Buckhorn Exchange

Denver Colorado is an exciting city to visit, one mile high near the Rocky Mountains. From its beginning in 1858 as a gold-mining town, it has grown around the South Platte River, Cherry Creek, and historic Colfax Avenue to encompass several communities and many things to do. More about Denver: Stapleton & Aurora, Park Hill, Cherry Creek & Washington Park.

The Capitol Hill and Lincoln Park areas of Denver are near downtown and have some interesting historic sites. The oldest Denver restaurant, The Buckhorn Exchange, and the home of a famous citizen, Margaret Brown, are fun to visit.

The Brown House Museum was the home of Margaret Brown, a colorful and influential Denver citizen. She also known in popular literature as Molly Brown.

Margaret went to Leadville, Colorado from Hannibal, MO as a teenager. She met and married J.J. Brown. J.J. was a gifted engineer and found gold at the Little Jonny Mine. The very wealthy Browns bought a mansion and moved to Denver in 1894.

Margaret was an active woman and did much for her new city, including fundraising for the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (you can see it from the front porch), helping start the juvenile court system, and founding animal shelter and rescue. She achieved worldwide fame with her heroism as a passenger on the Titanic.

I have toured this home several times. I’m fascinated by the Titanic stories and I love the music from the Debbie Reynold’s movie, The Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964). Kathy Bates does a great job playing Margaret in Titanic (1997).  In addition, I discovered that Margaret’s long time housekeeper was Ella Grable! I have a picture of a note Margaret wrote to Ella, planning a long-ago picnic at the original Elitch Gardens in Highland.

The house tour is very interesting. The house was outfitted with all the best, including a telephone and golden Anaglypta wallpaper. The entrance hall is like a Moroccan dream and I’m sure people were blown away while waiting to be taken to see Mrs. Brown. https://mollybrown.org/

While you are downtown, you may want to visit the state Capitol building, open to the public Monday through Friday. The Denver Art Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. Check the website for Monday and holiday hours.

The Buckhorn Exchange is the oldest restaurant in Denver, dating to 1893. The name comes from its location near the railroad yards. The railroad workers used to exchange their paychecks for gold and a free beer with the original owner!

The restaurant is east of downtown right across from a light rail stop on Osage. When you enter you are taken back in time. The walls are covered with hunting trophies and signed photos from the many famous visitors. You almost feel like you are being seated in an old Victorian living room. The food is hearty and old-fashioned, with meat being the feature.

Buckhorn is famous for their beans and steaks. The menu also includes fun cocktails and sandwiches. I really enjoyed my meal at the Buckhorn Exchange and will plan to go back again. There are handy parking lots next to the building and across the street. http://buckhornexchange.com/

Tony P’s Bar and Pizzeria is a bright, fun Italian restaurant. They have many delicious Italian dishes and pizzas. Their desserts are amazing! https://tonypspizza.com/

Denver Colorado Map

Next time we go I’d like to spend time at the art museum.

Resource Links

• https://leg.colorado.gov/node/1020196/
  • The Colorado State Capitol building
• http://denverartmuseum.org/
  • Denver Art Museum
• http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/colorado/denver/historical-landmarks-denver/
  • 22 historical landmarks of Denver from Only in Your State
• https://denver.eater.com/
  • Eater Denver

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