Lincoln Hills: The Oasis of the West

Established by Denverites E.C. Regnier and Roger Ewalt in 1922, Lincoln Hills became the only vacation resort west of the Mississippi River catering to African-Americans.

• The Lincoln Hills Development Company (LHDC) was formed in 1922 by Denverites E.C.

• Regnier and Roger Ewalt, both of whom were African-American and who sought to build a mountain resort for middle class African-Americans. Several leaders of Denver’s black community established the Lincoln Hills Development Company in 1922 and Lincoln Hills was officially platted in 1928.

• At the time of its founding, Lincoln Hills was the only vacation resort west of the Mississippi River owned by and catering to African-Americans. Most important, that the resort area was now an

• African-American enclave meant that vacationers could spend their leisure time in peace, without fear of race-based discrimination or related incidents

• The LHDC banked on the idea that members of Denver’s black community would come to the mountains and build cabins. Their customers purchased lots at prices as low as $40.00 per lot, with $5.00 down and a $5.00 monthly payment. With 5.00 down and 5.00 per month the purchaser gained membership in the country club, fly fishing privileges, a fine BBQ pit, a fine lake and clean linens. 

• Letters of endorsements were published from Denver groups, The Shorter African Methodist Epicapol Church, Zion Baptist and Central Baptists Churches. The Lincoln Community Center in Waukegan Illinois, prominent Black citizens and many others. 

• Customers were drawn by the beautiful scenery, fishing, hiking, and other typical mountain recreation activities, and lots sold quickly.



• Many Lincoln Hills residents and vacationers arrived by car, but the ease of transportation offered by the D&SL was an enormous draw. Unlike other areas of the United States, racial segregation was not enforced on rail lines in Colorado.