Dearfield

Dearfield, Colorado, was founded in 1910 by Oliver Toussaint Jackson, an African American entrepreneur who aimed to establish a self-sufficient agricultural community for Black homesteaders.

History

Dearfield, Colorado was founded in 1910 by Oliver Toussaint Jackson, a successful African American entrepreneur and homesteader inspired by Booker T. Washington’s advocacy for Black land ownership and self-sufficiency. Jackson purchased land in Weld County with the vision of creating a prosperous all-Black agricultural community. Jackson filed a desert claim in Weld County and began recruiting settlers, with the first arriving in 1911. The town's name, Dearfield, was given by Dr. Joseph H. P. Westbrook, a Black physician from Denver, who remarked that the fields would be "very dear to us," reflecting the settlers' deep attachment to the land. Early settlers arrived in 1911, and by 1920 Dearfield had grown to a population of 200 to 300 residents. The town featured essential infrastructure including two churches, a school, a restaurant, and plans for a canning factory and college. However, harsh environmental conditions and the Dust Bowl of the 1930s severely impacted agricultural productivity, leading to the town’s decline. By 1940, the population had dwindled to just 12, and the town was effectively abandoned after Jackson’s death in 1948. At its peak from about 1917 to 1921, Deerfield housed between 200 and 300 residents. Today, Dearfield is a ghost town with only a few remaining structures such as a gas station, an old restaurant, and the founder’s home. The site is of historical significance and is owned by the Black American West Museum.

Major Industries

Dearfield’s economy was primarily based on agriculture, with settlers practicing dry farming of corn, oats, barley, beans, alfalfa, and sugar beets. The community was largely self-sufficient, producing enough to support residents and sell surplus crops to nearby markets. The town also had businesses including a restaurant and boarding house.

Geography

Dearfield is located in Weld County, Colorado, near U.S. Highway 34 east of Greeley. The geographic coordinates are approximately 40.3497°N latitude and 104.6419°W longitude. The area is characterized by plains suitable for dry farming but faced challenges due to limited access to irrigation water.

Obscure and Notable Facts

The town’s name was suggested by Dr. Joseph H. P. Westbrook, a Denver physician, who said the fields “will be very dear to us.” Dearfield was part of a larger African American “back to the land” movement seeking economic independence through farming. Despite its struggles, Dearfield was a cultural hub for Black families, hosting social activities like card playing and basket suppers. The town’s decline was hastened by environmental disasters such as the Dust Bowl and economic hardship during the Great Depression. The site is now a Colorado Registered Historic Landmark with efforts underway to preserve its legacy and educate the public about this important chapter in Black Western history.