
Louisiana Purchase - Colorado
In 1803, Colorado was part of the most expensive real estate transaction in world history! For a total of $15,000,000 in gold, the new United States purchased the Western Territory from France containing the current states of – Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, and the eastern plains of Colorado.
France originally acquired the Western Territory during the “Third Treaty of San Ildefonso of 1800”. Napoleon Bonaparte sold and transferred ownership of the territory to the United States in 1803.
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More Fun Facts About Colorado

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

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

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

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

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep – Colorado State Animal
Another iconic symbol of Colorado and the Poster Child of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife is the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep. Designated the State Animal of Colorado in 1961, the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep can often be seen along high
More Fun Facts About Colorado

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

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

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

Tallest Building in Colorado – Republic Plaza
Built-in “1984”, the tallest building in Colorado is the Republic Plaza Building located in Downtown Denver. The building is 56 stories, and over 714 feet tall. This Denver Skyscraper can be found at 370 17th

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