Jacob Downing facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jacob Downing
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| Born | April 1830 Albany, New York, U.S. |
| Died | 1907 (aged 76–77) |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
Union Army |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Unit | 1st Colorado Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Jacob Downing (born April 1830 – died 1907) was an important officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was involved in the Sand Creek massacre, an event where many Cheyenne and Arapaho people were killed. After the war, he helped build up the state of Colorado, especially the city of Denver.
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Early Life and Moving West
Jacob Downing was born in Albany, New York, in April 1830. He was the youngest of 11 children. His father was a successful businessman.
When he was 14, Jacob started working at the Albany City Bank. Later, he studied law in Chicago. He became a lawyer in 1858. In 1859 or 1860, Downing moved to Denver, Colorado. This was during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush, when many people moved west to find gold. In 1860, he was chosen to be a judge for the city court.
Military Service in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began in 1861, Jacob Downing joined the army. He became part of the 1st Colorado Infantry Regiment. He fought in important battles in 1862. These included the Battle of Apache Canyon and the Battle of Pigeon's Ranch. He also fought in the Battle of Peralta. These battles were part of the New Mexico campaign.
Downing was promoted to the rank of major. In 1862, he was put in charge of Fort Larned in Kansas.
In April 1864, Major Downing led an attack on a group of Cheyenne people. They were camped near Cedar Canyon. Downing believed they had stolen cattle and horses. His attack killed about 25 Cheyennes and destroyed their homes.
Downing was also present at the Sand Creek massacre. This event is also known as the "Chivington massacre." It was named after Colonel John Chivington, who was in charge. After the massacre, there was a lot of public anger. Downing served as Chivington's lawyer during the investigations.
Life After the War
Jacob Downing left the army in 1864 or 1865. He returned to Denver. In 1867, he was elected as a probate judge for Arapahoe County, Colorado. A probate judge handles legal matters like wills and estates. He served for two years.
Downing became very involved in real estate. He bought land and developed it. He also farmed and raised cattle and horses. He owned a large ranch near Denver called "Downingdale." It was about 2,000 acres.
He was a leader in the community. Downing helped create City Park in Denver. He also gave land and money for the Colfax Avenue streetcar. This helped improve transportation in the city. He also worked to improve Mount View Boulevard.
After Jacob Downing passed away in 1907, his wife turned their clubhouse into the Downing Home for Old People. South Downing Street in Denver is named after him.
Family Life
On November 1, 1871, Jacob Downing married Caroline Rosecrans. They were married in Glens Falls, New York. Caroline was an artist, musician, and poet.
Caroline Downing was very active in helping others. She was a leader in several women's groups. She supported many charities, including the Denver Orphans' Home and Children's Hospital Colorado. She also helped the Denver Public Library.
