When Did Colorado Become A State – 1876
Colorado became a state on August 1, 1876. It was the 38th state to join the United States. The road to statehood was a long one for Colorado, as it had been a territory since 1861. However, it was not until the discovery of gold in 1858 and the subsequent influx of settlers that statehood became a more pressing issue. Today, Colorado is known for
Largest Flat Top Mountain – Grand Mesa
The largest flat top mountain in the WORLD is the Grand Mesa. Located on the Western Slope of Colorado, near the city of Grand Junction, the Grand Mesa has an area of over 500 square miles (1,295 square kilometers) and is the largest flat top mountains in the world. It rises to an elevation of 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) above sea level and is home
Size Of Colorado – 104,185 Miles^2
The State of Colorado is approximately 104,185 mi^2 making it the 8th largest state in the United States. By distance, the Centennial State is approximately 380 miles wide by 280 miles long. In comparison, the State of Colorado is almost the same size as New Zealand. By geographic area, the State of Colorado is larger than over 118 Countries around the world! Share Size of
Colorado Nuclear Missile Complex – Titan 1
Did you know there are a total of six Titan 1 Missile Silos across the Eastern Plains of Colorado. “The Titan 1 was originally one of the first strategic, intercontinental ballistic missiles developed by the United States. The 98-foot-long, two-stage missile was fueled by kerosene (RP-1 fuel) and liquid oxygen, and was designed to carry nuclear warheads.” These former Cold War Nuclear Complexes are both
Aquamarine – Colorado Gemstone
The official state gem of Colorado is Aquamarine. This semi-rare, Cyan Colored (Blue/Green), precious gemstone can be found near Mount Antero and Mount White. It is said that the Aquamarine Gem mines of Colorado “are among the finest quality gem producers in the world.” The Aquamarine Gemstone is also be found/mined in Brazil, Nigeria, Madagascar, Pakistan, Nepal, and other countries around the world. (Citation: House
Arkansas River – Longest River In Colorado
By geographic distance, the longest river across the State of Colorado is the Arkansas River. Although the Rio Grande River is longer in total length (1890-miles), the Arkansas River covers a larger surface area within the State of Colorado (324+ miles). Headwaters of the Arkansas River From its headwaters near the City of Leadville, the Arkansas River spans over 1,470 miles and is the 6th
Pikes Peak Gold Rush
Idaho Springs and Central City Colorado The Pikes Peak Gold Rush was a major event and milestone in Colorado and American history. It was triggered by the discovery of gold in the Colorado Territory in 1858, which led to a rush of prospectors and settlers to the Pikes Peak region. The first discovery of gold in Colorado is credited to William Greeneberry Russell, who found
Biggest City In Colorado
Denver Colorado By population, the biggest city in Colorado is the City of Denver. The population of Denver is approximately 733,114 residents. The population of the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood Metropolitan Statistical Area, also known as the Denver Metro Area, was 2,998,982 in 2020. In addition to being the biggest city in Colorado, the City of Denver is also the State Capital and central economic hub for domestic/international
Colorado State Motto – Nil Sine Numine
On the official State Seal of Colorado, the Latin Phrase “Nil Sine Numine” can be found on a white banner just above the date “1876”. Because the phrase Nil Sine Numine is Latin in origin, the translation has two meanings in the English language. The first translation means “Nothing Without Providence” and the second interpretation means “Nothing Without God”. The state seal and phrase was
Colorado State Insect – Hairstreak Butterfly
Fortunately, the state insect of Colorado is a Butterfly (“Hypaurotis Cysalus”) and not the Tarantula Hawk Wasp, sorry New Mexico! The Hairstreak Butterfly is usually grey on the bottom with purplish wings on top. This colorful butterfly can frequently be found along the Western Slope or in the Southern Regions of Colorado and other surrounding states. “State Insect.” State Insect | Archives. Share Colorado State
Native Tribes in Colorado
Colorado was originally home to numerous Native American Tribes including the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Kiowa, Ute, Navajo, Apache, Shoshone, Comanche, and Pueblo Indians. Today, only “the Southern Ute Tribe and the Mountain Ute Tribe” are Federally recognized in the State of Colorado. Across the Centennial State, several towns, cities, and counties are named after the tribes and chiefs that once inhabited Colorado including the City of
Official Sport Of Colorado – Pack Burro Racing
Believe it or not, Pack Burro Racing is the official sport of Colorado. The sport originated in Colorado during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush in mid 1800’s. Today spectators can still experience this unique Colorado Sport during the Pack Burrow Race Days at the Town of Fairplay. The Pack Burrow Race Days are a annual event that take place around mid-to-late July. Share Official Sport
Claret Cup Cactus – State Cactus of Colorado
COLORADO STATE CACTUS – CLARET CUP CACTUS In case you were wondering, the official cactus of Colorado is the Claret Cup Cactus, also know as the King Cup Cactus. It’s official scientific name is “Echinocereus Triglochidiatus“. (Try saying that three times fast!) The Colorado State Cactus resembles a cluster of Barrel Cactus with red and orange tinted flowers and medium sized spines/thorns up-to
Colorado River Headwaters
The Rocky Mountains of Colorado are the headwaters to over seven major rivers, including the Colorado River. The headwaters of the Colorado River are found at La Poudre Pass Lake located on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. From this small lake directly north of the Town of Grand Lake, the Colorado River begins its nearly 1,500-mile journey to the Gulf of California. Along
Mount Evans Road – Highest Paved Road
The highest paved road in America is the Road to Mount Evans, also known as Colorado State Highway 5. The road leads to the summit of Mount Evans, which is one of Colorado’s highest peaks, with an elevation of 14,271 feet (4,350 meters) above sea level. The Road to Mount Evans starts in Idaho Springs, Colorado, and climbs over 7,000 feet (2,134 meters) in just
Colorado Quarter
The Colorado quarter was issued as part of the United States Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program. This program released commemorative quarters representing each of the 50 states in the United States, including the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories. The Colorado quarter was released on June 14, 2006, and features unique designs on the reverse (back) sides of the coin. The obverse side of
Colorado State Bird – Lark Bunting
COLORADO STATE BIRD – LARK BUNTING The state bird of Colorado is the Majestic Lark Bunting! Although Colorado is home to numerous species of birds, the State of Colorado thought the Lark Bunting was the most symbolic representation of the Centennial State. In their infinite wisdom, the Colorado General Assembly reviewed the Western Bluebird, Rufous Hummingbird, Peregrine Falcon, Mountain Blue Bird, Coopers Hawk, and an
Blue Spruce – Colorado State Tree
The State Tree of Colorado is the Colorado Blue Spruce. This Symbol of Colorado can grow anywhere from 50 to 130 feet tall with a width up to 30+ feet at the base. In the Rocky Mountains, the Colorado Blue Spruce can live over 200 years. Naturally growing at high elevations between 6,000 and 11,500 ft, this Giant Christmass Tree is easy to distinguish across
National Parks In Colorado – 4 Parks
The Colorado National Parks List includes: 1) Black Canyon Of The Gunnison: Montrose, CO. Great Sand Dunes National Historic and Preserve: Mosca, CO. 3) Mesa Verde National Park: Cortez and Mancos, CO. 4) Rocky Mountain National Park: Estes Park and Grand Lake, CO. Despite what Google says, Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park are not located in Colorado. In fact, Google left out one
Colorado Rock – Yule Marble
STATE ROCK OF COLORADO – YULE MARBLE One of the most iconic symbols of the United State comes from Yule Creek Valley in Marble, Colorado. This white marble is only found in the Elk Mountains of Colorado at over 7,990 ft in elevation. If you have ever been to Washington D.C. then you have probably seen the White Marble National Monuments erected from the only White
Colorado Rock – Yule Marble
STATE ROCK OF COLORADO – YULE MARBLE One of the most iconic symbols of the United State comes from Yule Creek Valley in Marble, Colorado. This white marble is only found in the Elk Mountains of Colorado at over 7,990 ft in elevation. If you have ever been to Washington D.C. then you have probably seen the White Marble National Monuments erected from the only White
Official Sport Of Colorado – Pack Burro Racing
Believe it or not, Pack Burro Racing is the official sport of Colorado. The sport originated in Colorado during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush in mid 1800’s. Today spectators can still experience this unique Colorado Sport during the Pack Burrow Race Days at the Town of Fairplay. The Pack Burrow Race Days are a annual event that take place around mid-to-late July. Share Official Sport
Blue Spruce – Colorado State Tree
The State Tree of Colorado is the Colorado Blue Spruce. This Symbol of Colorado can grow anywhere from 50 to 130 feet tall with a width up to 30+ feet at the base. In the Rocky Mountains, the Colorado Blue Spruce can live over 200 years. Naturally growing at high elevations between 6,000 and 11,500 ft, this Giant Christmass Tree is easy to distinguish across
When Did Colorado Become A State – 1876
Colorado became a state on August 1, 1876. It was the 38th state to join the United States. The road to statehood was a long one for Colorado, as it had been a territory since 1861. However, it was not until the discovery of gold in 1858 and the subsequent influx of settlers that statehood became a more pressing issue. Today, Colorado is known for
National Parks In Colorado – 4 Parks
The Colorado National Parks List includes: 1) Black Canyon Of The Gunnison: Montrose, CO. Great Sand Dunes National Historic and Preserve: Mosca, CO. 3) Mesa Verde National Park: Cortez and Mancos, CO. 4) Rocky Mountain National Park: Estes Park and Grand Lake, CO. Despite what Google says, Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park are not located in Colorado. In fact, Google left out one
Claret Cup Cactus – State Cactus of Colorado
COLORADO STATE CACTUS – CLARET CUP CACTUS In case you were wondering, the official cactus of Colorado is the Claret Cup Cactus, also know as the King Cup Cactus. It’s official scientific name is “Echinocereus Triglochidiatus“. (Try saying that three times fast!) The Colorado State Cactus resembles a cluster of Barrel Cactus with red and orange tinted flowers and medium sized spines/thorns up-to
Colorado State Bird – Lark Bunting
COLORADO STATE BIRD – LARK BUNTING The state bird of Colorado is the Majestic Lark Bunting! Although Colorado is home to numerous species of birds, the State of Colorado thought the Lark Bunting was the most symbolic representation of the Centennial State. In their infinite wisdom, the Colorado General Assembly reviewed the Western Bluebird, Rufous Hummingbird, Peregrine Falcon, Mountain Blue Bird, Coopers Hawk, and an
Colorado Quarter
The Colorado quarter was issued as part of the United States Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program. This program released commemorative quarters representing each of the 50 states in the United States, including the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories. The Colorado quarter was released on June 14, 2006, and features unique designs on the reverse (back) sides of the coin. The obverse side of
Richest Square Mile on Earth – Central City
Central City Colorado Central City, located approximately 38 miles west of Denver, is known as “The Richest Square Mile On Earth”. During the Pikes Peak Gold Rush in 1859, the town earned its nickname when it became the wealthiest square mile in the United Sates due to its abundance of gold and silver mines. In the late 1800s, Central City was home to over 30,000
Palisade Peach – Unofficial State Fruit of Colorado
The official state fruit of Colorado is the famous Palisade Peach. Known for its extra delicious flavor, the Palisade Peach is truly one of the sweetest parts of Colorado. In fact, the fruit is so popular it even has its own Palisade Peach Festival. Why Are Palisade Peaches So Sweett Palisade Peaches get their extra sweet flavor from the dramatic temprature swings along
Native Tribes in Colorado
Colorado was originally home to numerous Native American Tribes including the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Kiowa, Ute, Navajo, Apache, Shoshone, Comanche, and Pueblo Indians. Today, only “the Southern Ute Tribe and the Mountain Ute Tribe” are Federally recognized in the State of Colorado. Across the Centennial State, several towns, cities, and counties are named after the tribes and chiefs that once inhabited Colorado including the City of
Colorado State Motto – Nil Sine Numine
On the official State Seal of Colorado, the Latin Phrase “Nil Sine Numine” can be found on a white banner just above the date “1876”. Because the phrase Nil Sine Numine is Latin in origin, the translation has two meanings in the English language. The first translation means “Nothing Without Providence” and the second interpretation means “Nothing Without God”. The state seal and phrase was
