Whittier, Denver facts for kids

Whittier is a cool neighborhood in Denver, Colorado. It's about two miles northeast of downtown Denver, which means it's pretty close to the city's center!

This area is mostly homes and is quite old for a city in the American West. Many of the houses were built before the 1940s, giving the neighborhood a historic feel.

The boundaries of Whittier are 23rd Avenue to the south, Martin Luther King Boulevard (also known as 32nd Street) to the north, Downing Street to the west, and York Street to the east.

A monument to George Morrison, Sr. in his park, located on the northern edge of Whittier.

Why is it Called Whittier?

The neighborhood gets its name from an elementary school. This school is located at 25th Avenue and Downing Street. The school was named after a famous person named John Greenleaf Whittier.

John Greenleaf Whittier lived from 1807 to 1892. He was a poet who strongly believed in ending slavery. He was also one of the first members of the American Republican political party. Because of his beliefs, the Whittier neighborhood was designed to be a place where people of all backgrounds could live together from the very beginning.

Who Lives in Whittier Today?

Today, the Whittier neighborhood is a vibrant mix of different cultures. People from Black, Hispanic, and White backgrounds all live here. This diversity makes it a rich and interesting place.

Many young professionals and their families are choosing to move to Whittier. This is because it's close to downtown Denver. It also has nice parks and a public golf course nearby. Plus, the homes built in the early 1900s often feature beautiful Craftsman architecture and can be found at good prices.

Meet a Notable Person from Whittier

Who is Bob Ragland?

This map shows how different racial and ethnic groups were spread out in Denver in 2010.

One well-known person who lived in Whittier was Bob Ragland (1938 – 2021). He was a very talented artist and also a teacher. Bob Ragland even hosted a television show and wrote books! He was also an activist, meaning he worked to bring about change in his community.

The Bob Ragland branch of the Denver Public Library is named after him. This shows how much he contributed to the area and how much he is remembered.