Charles Dow | Colorado Public Radio

New England journalist Charles Dow had a gift for breaking down complicated financial information and news into understandable pieces. In 1879, Dow was sent to Leadville. The train was packed with potential silver mine investors, and Dow tried to add up his net worth; after ninety million dollars, he gave up. That was the first of Dow’s “Leadville letters.” They brought widespread attention to the town’s geology, mining and smelting, and the incredible richness of its minerals. In the years that followed, Leadville’s wealth soared. It created financial dynasties: the Tabors, the Guggenheims, the Boettchers. And even Dow himself, who along with journalist Edward Jones, started a financial newsletter, also known as the Wall Street Journal and, later, the Dow Jones Industrial Average… it’s still how investors judge overall stock performance.

About Colorado Postcards

Postcards from Colorado are snapshots of our colorful state in audio format. They offer brief perspectives of our people and places, our flora and fauna, and our past and present, from every corner of Colorado.

Related Posts

In West Tennessee, Hunt combines an AM with an FM translator

Houston Texans remain undefeated and beat Chicago Bears on SNF

Efforts continue to recover man who never resurfaced in Lake Pleasant