Mary Elitch was born as Mary Hauck in 1856 in Philadelphia, PA.  She married John Elitch Sr.in 1872 at the age of 16. 

Together they founded Elitch Gardens which became a historic amusement park in Denver.  She was the first woman to run an amusement park after the death of John in 1891!

The Elitches originally bought the lands and used them as a garden to harvest fruits and vegetables for their restaurant aptly named Elitch's in Denver.  The gardens were transformed into Elitch's Zoologial gardens when Mary wanted to showcase animals, orchards and exotic gardens.  Their gardens were Denver's first zoo.  Entertainment was always in order here too with marching bands and other attractions. 

In 1891 John died while on a trip with his theater troupe on the western coast.  Mary returned after becoming a widow and sold her gardens to Denver capitalists.  Three years later she managed to get them back and for the next 20 years ran them on her own.  During this time she entertained many visitors from around the world.

She lived until age 80 and died in 1936.  She led a phenomenal life apart from most of her female peers in those years!

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External Links

Colorado Women's Hall of Fame:  More than the founder of Denver's famed Elitch Gardens, Mary Elitch Long has a well-earned reputation as a businesswoman.

Six Flages Elitch Gardens:  Everything you'll need to plan your visit.  We'll show you where we're located, when we're open, what to bring before you leave and what's available once you're here.