Barnum (Denver, Colorado)

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The majority of the area was annexed to the City in September, 1896. Boundaries of what might be termed 'Old Barnum' were Lakewood Gulch, Alameda Avenue, the Platte River and Tennyson Street. The neighborhoods of Barnum, Barnum West, Villa Park and Valverde generally make up the Old Barnum. The remainder of the neighborhood became a part of Denver under the Session Laws of Colorado in 1901.

The first claim for land in the district was granted in 1865. After several transfers of ownership, P. T. Barnum of the Barnum and Bailey Circus became interested in the area as a winter location for his show between performing seasons. In 1882, Barnum purchased 760 acres and platted the first subdivision. However, not until after the turn of the century was the land again subdivided. Several buildings that were built in the late 1800s are still standing today.

The construction of West 6th Avenue freeway in the 1950s physically separated Villa Park from the rest of Old Barnum. Federal Boulevard further divided Valverde from the other areas.

As of the year 2000, the racial makeup of Barnum is 20.73% White non-Hispanic, 0.61% African American, 0.83% Native American, 0.64% Asian, and 75.78% Hispanic or Latino.