Smith Lake was first formed in the 1860s as a reservoir, bringing water into Denver from the South Platte River. In 1911, after Washington Park was formed around the lake, sand was brought in and a Boathouse built to make Smith Lake a swimming beach. Only Denver’s white population was allowed to swim at Smith Lake. In 1913, Denver citizens of Japanese descent were officially barred. Segregation affecting other minorities was in place unofficially, resulting in a riot. Pollution, a polio outbreak, and difficulty chlorinating the lake led to its closure in the 1950s, but Smith Lake is now a boating and fishing venue for all Denverites and tourists alike. Washington Park is home to poet Eugene Field’s house, thanks to Margaret Brown who raised funds to purchase the house, and have it moved to the park where it was safe from demolition.
Courtesy of Andrea Malcomb. Photo courtesy Denver Public Library.