Richard Sopris

Richard Sopris (1813–1893) was an American politician who served as the mayor of Denver, Colorado from 1878 to 1881. Prior to that, he was a prospector, Captain in the 1st Regiment of Colorado Volunteers, and a representative for what is now Colorado in the Kansas Territorial legislature.

Early and personal life Richard Sopris was born on June 26, 1813 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He was married near Philadelphia to Elizabeth Allen of Trenton, New Jersey on June 3, 1836, and they moved to Indiana that year. They had eight children by 1860, and a total of ten children.

Career He began working as a house carpenter. He was one of the original shareholders of the town of Auraria and prospected for gold in the winter and spring. He helped organize the 1st Regiment of Colorado Volunteers. He fought Native Americans at Glorieta Pass in north-central New Mexico and Confederate forces in New Mexico and Arizona. He attained the rank of captain of Company C of the regiment.