Barker was a teacher, civic leader, businesswoman and land developer in an era when industrious women were not commonly recognized for their contributions.

[2][4] In 1877, she married Ezra Barker, a local businessman with extensive real estate holdings, and gave up teaching.

In the early years of the 20th Century, the Central Colorado Power Company wanted to buy the ranch to build a hydroelectric dam to supply electricity to mining camps and the City of Denver.

Barker refused to sell the land but was eventually forced to part with it after the city commenced condemnation proceedings.

By 1884, Barker had purchased real estate adjacent to the young City of Boulder and began platting the town of Highland Lawn.

[2][3][4] Barker lived a great part of her life in a stately home on a large lot in the Highland Lawn subdivision she developed.

[2][4] Boulder's City Council unanimously designated the Hannah Barker House as an individual landmark on March 17, 2009.