Denver was launched on 21 June 1902 by Neafie and Levy Ship and Engine Building Company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, sponsored by Miss R. W. Wright, daughter of the Mayor of Denver; and commissioned on 17 May 1904, with Commander Joseph Ballard Murdock in command. She was reclassified PG-28 in 1920 and CL-16 on 8 August 1921.