William McGaa facts for kids

William W. McGaa (born April 17, 1824, in Wigtown, Scotland; died December 15, 1867, in Denver) was an important person in the early history of Denver, Colorado. He was known as a mountain man, someone who explored and lived in the wilderness.

McGaa moved from Scotland to the United States. By the time of the Colorado Gold Rush, he was living with the Arapaho people. He was also known by the name Jack Jones during this time.

Early Life and Background

William McGaa was born in Scotland in 1824. He later moved to the United States. McGaa often said that he came from a wealthy family. He claimed his father was the Lord Mayor of London. He also said his family owned a large estate in Scotland called Glenarm.

Role in Denver's Founding

McGaa played a part in the creation of St. Charles, which later became Denver. He worked with William Larimer to get land for the new town. This land was officially owned by local Native American tribes. Their ownership was recognized by the Fort Laramie Treaty in 1851.

McGaa was involved in the process of transferring this land. He claimed to have the authority to make these land deals. This allowed the land to be used for the new settlement.

Denver Street Names

As a way to honor the Native Americans, McGaa is said to have named several Denver streets. These names were meant to remember the local tribes and people.

• Wazee Street and Wewatta Street are believed to be named after women connected to McGaa.
• Champa Street is another name linked to McGaa. Some say it comes from a Sioux word meaning "cherry."
• McGaa also named Glenarm Street after the family estate he claimed to have in Scotland.
• He even named a street after himself, McGaa Street.

Reputation and Legacy

People who knew McGaa did not always have good things to say about him. A writer named Jerome Smiley described McGaa as "a troublesome customer." He also said McGaa was "a hard man to browbeat," meaning he was difficult to control.

Another writer, John White, wrote about meeting McGaa. He noted that McGaa seemed to be looking for a drink. Because of his reputation, the street named after McGaa was later changed. After McGaa's death, it was renamed Holladay Street. This was in honor of Ben Holladay, a famous stagecoach owner. Today, this street is known as Market Street.

Family Life

William W. McGaa had a son named William Denver McGaa. His son's mother was Jennie Adams. William Denver McGaa was born on March 8, 1859. He is noted as being the first child, both white and Native American, born in the city of Denver.