Did you know that Colorado’s 148th birthday is on August 1st? Here are some interesting facts about our Centennial State!
=> Before Colorado became a state, it was home to Native American tribes like the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho. These people lived off the land and had rich cultures that still influence Colorado today.
=> In 1858, gold was discovered near Denver. This started the “Pikes Peak or Bust” gold rush, attracting thousands of people to Colorado in search of riches. Can you imagine traveling across the country just to find gold?
=> Colorado officially became the 38th state on August 1, 1876. That’s why it’s called the Centennial State – it joined the Union 100 years after the United States declared independence in 1776!
=> Did you know that Colorado is a hotspot for dinosaur fossils? The first Stegosaurus was found near Morrison, Colorado, in 1877. Awesome!
=> Denver, Colorado’s capital, is nicknamed the “Mile High City” because its official elevation is exactly one mile (5,280 feet) above sea level.
=> Colorado is the only state that shares a border point with three other states – New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. This spot is called the Four Corners and is a popular tourist attraction. I’m sure you all knew that!
=> The state’s name comes from the Spanish word for “colored red,” which early explorers used to describe the reddish silt in the Colorado River.
As we celebrate Colorado’s 148th birthday, let’s remember all the amazing people and events that have shaped this beautiful state. From ancient tribes to gold rushers, from dinosaurs to modern cities, Colorado has a rich and exciting history that continues to grow every day.
Happy 148th Birthday, Colorado!