Colorado City


    Sam Wah Laundry, Colorado City, about 1890. It was located in the original El Paso County Clerk's Office, which earlier was Dr. Garvin's cabin, and where the first Colorado Territorial Legislators caucused at the 600 block of Colorado Avenue, which is now the 2600 block.

    During a flood, the floor was washed away, and an opium den discovered, so Sam Wah was incarcerated for a while.

    Chinese immigrants worked the placer mines near Fairplay until they were played out. Many came down from the mountains and opened enterprises such as laundries and restaurants.
    In the 1909 City Directory, Sam Wah's Laundry is listed as being at 609 Colorado Avenue. This is the earliest directory that gives addresses.
    #f1907


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