In case you’re wondering, the area get’s its name from the five point intersection at
Washington street, Welton street, 26th Avenue, and 27th Avenue. All the streets
combined were to long to fit on a street sign so in 1881 it was shortened to Five
Points. Five Points is one of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods. Beginning in the early
20th century Five Points became a predominately an African-American
neighborhood. This was due largely in part to discriminatory housing practices that
wouldn’t allow for African-Americans to live in other areas of the city.
The community thrived from the 1920’s to the 1950’s with businesses ranging from real estate offices, tailors, restaurants, and barbers. Five Points was known as the “Harlem of the West.” Jazz greats such as Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Nat King Cole, Count Basie, and Dizzy Gillespie all played at one of the many jazz clubs located on Welton Street. Five Points was home to more than 50 bars and clubs, most notably the Rossonian and the Rainbow Room.
Five points is home to the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library, Black American West Museum, and Cleo Parker Robinson Dance studio. Every year Denver’s Five Points neighborhood host a free festival to celebrate the history of the community. It takes place the third week of May. Local artists, To date Five Points is known for having some of the cities best Soul and Caribbean food in the city. Some local restaurants and coffees shops to visit when you’re in the neighborhood are the legendary Welton St. Cafe, Coffee at the Point https://www.coffeeatthepoint.com/, Dunbar Kitchen and Tap House http://www.dunbarkitchenandtaphouse.com, and Birdcall http://www.eatbirdcall.com.
