Notable Colorado Women

Mary Elitch Long - Entrepreneur

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Mary Elitch Long was a successful entrepreneur during a time when women had few freedoms in society outside of their families. Her work paved the way for countless other women who strived to find success in a male dominated world.


Mary Hauck Elitch Long

Mary Hauck Elitch Long (May 10, 1856 – July 16, 1936) was one of the original owners of Elitch Gardens in Denver, Colorado and a woman of many firsts during a time when women had very little political or economic power. Not only was she the first woman to own and manage a zoo, but she was also the first woman to own and manage a theater. Never one to stand idly by, Long also authored two children's books.