 Between 1880 and 1895 the city experienced a huge rise in corruption , as crime bosses , such as Soapy Smith , worked side by side with elected officials and the police to control elections , gambling , and the <unk> gangs . The city also experienced a depression in 1893 after the crash of silver prices . In 1887 , the precursor to the international charity United Way was formed in Denver by local religious leaders who raised funds and coordinated various charities to help Denver 's poor . By 1890 , Denver had grown to be the second @-@ largest city west of Omaha , Nebraska . In 1900 , whites represented 96 @.@ 8 % of Denver 's population . 
