The Jack Dempsey Museum – THE USA BOXING NEWS

Jack Dempsey Museum

Road Trip to Manassa, Colorado – The Birthplace of Jack Dempsey

Story by Joseph Rinaldi

Photos by Jackie Rinaldi and Joseph Rinaldi

To really experience what the United States has to offer, I suggest you simply get into your car and drive. Whether you go by yourself, with your family or a friend, it is a life-changing experience. My family members are typically my road trip pals. We pick a destination, pack some of our favorite snacks, and hit the road.

The Jack Dempsey statue and Birthplace Museum in the background.

Thanks to my dad and road trip pal, John Rinaldi, and constantly moving for my job as a TV news director, I just needed to cross one more state off my list to visit all 50 states: New Mexico. This summer, I did just that. My mom and I flew to Denver and drove south to New Mexico. The adobe buildings, southwestern food and stunning views were amazing, but one stop is a must, especially for boxing fans: Jack Dempsey’s Birthplace Museum.

Jack Dempsey was part Cherokee. As a gift, and honoring his heritage, he was bestowed this ceremonial headdress, which remains on display in the museum.

Action shots of Dempsey.

You are probably thinking, Jack Dempsey is the Manassa Mauler from Manassa, Colorado. That is not New Mexico; however, it lies on the border between the two states. So, my mom and I took the 2-hour drive from Santa Fe, NM to Manassa, CO.

A Rodeo Poster with Jack Dempsey as the honored guest.

The drive itself is breathtaking. We saw wildlife, like wolves and pronghorns, and we saw just how beautiful the desert can be. Once you crossed into Colorado, the mountains came up on both sides of our car and we found ourselves in the small town of Manassa.

The WBC honored Dempsey at the 100th Year of his winning the heavyweight title from Jess Willard in 1919.

Jack Dempsey winning the heavyweight title with his knockout of Jess Willard in 1919.

Jack Dempsey Museum Fireplace.

In Manassa, we found our way to the museum and met the curator, Michelle Richardson. She has been managing the museum for years and has a deep family history to Manassa. Michelle, along with her mother and grandmother even met the boxing giant in their small town. One parade memory also ended with a sweet kiss from the champ himself to her grandmother! He was the champion of the world, but to everyone in Manassa and the valley region of Colorado, he was their hometown hero.

A photo of Dempsey with Gene Tunney to the left and Robert F. Kennedy to the right and with Ronald Reagan in below photo.

USA Boxing News photographer Jackie Rinaldi stands in front of the Museum’s exit sign.

The museum dedicated in 1966 is actually the cabin where the legendary former heavyweight king was born and raised. The house was moved only a few blocks to the location it stands today. Within the four walls of this cabin, there are artifacts from his early days in Colorado to his championship battles in the ring.

THE USA BOXING NEWS reporter Joseph Rinaldi in front of the Jack Dempsey Museum.

Dempsey was heavyweight champion from 1919 after knocking out Jesse Willard until 1926, when he lost to Gene Tunney. He reigned king of the ring at the height of boxing during the Roaring Twenties, when the glitz and the glamour of Hollywood and athletes ruled the American popular culture. Jack Dempsey was the best and most popular.

Photos of Jack Dempsey with other famous individuals at the time, like Pat Boone and Al Jolson, along with being given a Cherokee headdress.

J A photo of Dempsey and his parents and the clock from his home.

In this museum and around it, you can take a step back in history. Follow his humble roots and heritage and behold how he became the man and the pugilistic immortal he is today. From his Cherokee background to his immediate family, he lived and fought with his heart on his sleeve in Manassa and beyond.

Dempsey was honored by the New York Hall of Fame of Boxing.

Photograph of entertainment legend Jimmy Durante (L) and Jack Dempsey (R).

There are heroes and then there are Jack Dempseys. The sport of boxing really catapulted into a world-wide phenomenon thanks to Dempsey.

Painting of Dempsey in his prime on display.

Photo of 6 Heavyweight Champs. L-R – Muhammad Ali, Floyd Paterson, Jack Dempsey, Joe Louis, Joe Frazier and Jersey Joe Walcott on display.

From the boxing gloves to the shoes he wore, you can see how tough some of those fights were. The gloves and scuffmarks from those famous and historical fights are enough to really comprehend just how tough he was, as well as his iconic competitors.

Jack Dempsey was commemorated on a 32¢ stamp issued in 1998 as part of the Celebrate the Century series issue for the decade of the 1910’s.

Fight Worn Shoes and Gloves that Dempsey wore in his fights.

Photo of Jack Dempsey and New York Yankees slugger Babe Ruth.

Remember, heroes do not just pop up in our big cities. Sometimes, they are made in the Heartland by people like you and me. It is important to remember where we come from and just how vital it is to honor and visit the many communities in this country. The hardworking men and women from East to West and in the Heartland work every single day inspiring others. Jack Dempsey once said, “A champion is someone who gets up when he can’t.” He learned that from his childhood in Manassa.

A photo of Jack Dempsey on a horse during a parade to inaugurate the museum.

Sketch of former heavyweight champion Max Baer, who Dempsey promoted, managed and trained.

So, if you need a place to explore in our country, look to Colorado and the New Mexico border. There is a ton to see already, but really explore these towns, like Manassa, because these are the places where champions are made every single day.

Wolf seen on the way to Manassa, Colorado.

Jack Dempsey Museum – Jack Dempsey Whiskey Bottle on display.

The Jack Dempsey Birthplace Museum is located at 412 Main Street in Manassa, Colorado. The visiting hours are 10-5 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. It is closed during lunch from 1:00 to 1:30. Admission is free. The contact number is (719)-843-5207.