Last updated on June 14th, 2024
53. The state has fresh and powdery snow that attracts millions of skiers and snowboarders to its slopes each year. Tourism is a huge industry in the state attracting billions of dollars in revenue every year.
54. Fort Collins is genuinely an art lover’s paradise with scores of art shops and boutiques all over town. The city is home to Pianos About Town, which commissions local artists that paint pianos and place them throughout the town for public view.
55. Pueblo, Colorado, holds one of the largest green chilies’ festivals in the country. The annual event is known as the Chili and Frijoles Festival, which spans over three days with live music, art demos, and chili cooking competitions.
56. This event truly captures the essence of the city with a Midwest and southwestern theme that is enjoyed by families, visitors, and locals alike. You can also sample some of the hottest green chilies and delicious pinto beans that are grown by local farmers.
57. The Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep was designated as the official state mammal of Colorado on May 1, 1961. These majestic animals are often seen scaling the steep cliffs of the Rocky Mountains, showcasing their remarkable agility and adaptability to the rugged terrain.
58. Despite its misleading name, the Colorado potato beetle is not native to Colorado but was first discovered in the Rocky Mountains in the 19th century. Also known as the Colorado beetle, it is a common agricultural pest and holds the title of the largest beetle in North America.
59. Bob Salem made history as the first person in the 21st Century to push a peanut up Pikes Peak with a contraption taped to his nose.
60. Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini was canonized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church on July 7, 1946, becoming the first American citizen to be canonized as a saint. The Mother Cabrini Shrine in Golden, Colorado, is a testament to her remarkable life and legacy.
61. Pikes Peak, located near Colorado Springs, inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write the song “America the Beautiful” in 1893.
62. Colorado is also home to the United States Air Force Academy.
63. If you have ever received a tire clamp on your car, you can thank the Mile-High City for that. The first tire clamp was invented by the concert violinist, Frank Marugg in Denver in 1944.
64. Since then, his invention has been used by Denver’s finest and the Department of Motor Vehicles in forcing drivers to pay outstanding tickets. On January 5, 1955, the Denver police officially put the boot into effect. In its first twenty-five days, the city collected over $18,000 in unpaid parking tickets. This is one of the Colorado facts that an automobile enthusiast would certainly like.
65. The world’s first rodeo debuted in Deer Trail, Colorado, on July 4, 1869. This historic event marked the inception of rodeo culture, showcasing local cowboys’ roping, riding, and steer wrestling skills. It set the stage for organized rodeo competitions worldwide.
66. Built-in 1891, the Smuggler-Union Hydroelectric Power Plant in Telluride was one of the world’s first alternating current power plants, illuminating the town and nearby mines.
67. On the list of Colorado facts, this fact relates to our day to day life. During a study conducted on the water of Colorado Springs, it was found that it was the presence of fluoride in the water that caused the residents to have fewer cavities. Thus, fluorides were used commercially for maintaining healthy teeth.
68. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), headquartered in Golden, Colorado, was established on July 5, 1977. NREL is a preeminent research facility dedicated to advancing renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
69. Colorado State University (CSU) in Fort Collins, founded on February 11, 1870, stands as a renowned institution in atmospheric science research. Home to the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA), CSU is a leading hub for meteorological studies, contributing significantly to advancements in the field of atmospheric science.
70. Colorado’s Palmer Divide, a prominent ridge north of Colorado Springs, influences the state’s weather patterns, causing varied climate conditions between the eastern plains and the Rocky Mountains.
71. In Colorado, women were granted the right to vote in 1893.
72. Colorado has stricter vehicle emission regulations than many other states in the U.S. This Colorado fact draws our attention to the state’s interest in limiting pollution.
73. The Great Colorado Payback program, initiated on July 1, 1989, serves as a vital initiative. This program diligently reunites residents with unclaimed property and assets, encompassing forgotten bank accounts, insurance payouts, utility deposits, and other financial holdings.
74. The Colorado River Compact, signed in 1922, allocated the use of Colorado River water among seven U.S. states. It laid the foundation for water management in the region but also sparked ongoing disputes over water rights.
75. Colorado was offered to host the Winter Olympics but its residents turned down the offer on 7th of November, 1972 due to the lack of infrastructure, and some environmental concerns.
76. The Sand Creek Massacre occurred in 1864 when Colorado militia attacked a peaceful Cheyenne and Arapaho village along Sand Creek. Many Native Americans, including women and children, were killed in the attack.
77. African American soldiers, known as Buffalo Soldiers, were stationed at Fort Garland, Colorado, in the late 1800s. They played a vital role in the settlement and development of the region.
78. The Ludlow Massacre occurred in 1914 during a coal miners’ strike in Ludlow, Colorado. Striking miners and their families were living in tent colonies, and a violent conflict erupted between the miners and the Colorado National Guard, resulting in numerous deaths.
79. During World War II, the Amache Internment Camp in southeastern Colorado housed over 7,000 Japanese-Americans who were forcibly relocated from the West Coast. The camp operated from 1942 to 1945.
80. Margaret “Molly” Brown, a notable survivor of the Titanic sinking, emerged as a prominent socialite and philanthropist in Denver. Following the tragic event on April 15, 1912, when the Titanic sank, Brown played a pivotal role in aiding fellow survivors.
About the Flag of Colorado
1. Design and Symbolism
The Colorado flag features three horizontal stripes: white in the middle and blue at the edges. In the foreground is a red letter “C” for Colorado, with a gold disc at the center signifying the mining industry.
“C” also stands for columbine, the state flower. Lastly, it denotes the centennial of the US. Colorado officially joined the union in 1876, coinciding with the 100th year of independence.
Locals are proud of the natural beauty of Colorado. The blue stripes refer to the sky, while the white band signifies the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains.
2. Adoption and Revision
The state adopted the design on June 5, 1911, but the version you see today is the product of minor revisions until March 31, 1964.
3. Technical Details
If you plan to make a copy, ensure that the layout has a 2:3 ratio. Divide the width equally among the three stripes, and match the colors with the national flag.
Look closely at the gold disc. The diameter must match the width of the white stripe. The red letter “C” must occupy two-thirds of the flag width.
4. History
There was no flag when President Ulysses Grant approved Colorado statehood. Instead, locals placed the state seal on a blue background, and voila! An unofficial banner.
In 1907, they finally came up with the first official Colorado flag. It had the state seal and Latin motto: “Nil sine numine” (Nothing without Providence or Deity). Unfortunately, the fancy flag had few fans. The only physical copy never made a public appearance.
In late 1910, the patriotic group Daughters of the American Revolution met in Denver. They discussed the creation of a state flag, not knowing about the 1907 fiasco. After getting design submissions, they rallied behind a striped flag with the state seal.
The lawmaker William H. Sharpley pushed the flag bill, only to get a lukewarm response. Andrew Carlisle Carson knew something had to change. He made the design we know today to the delight of the senate. It gained a unanimous vote in 1911.
5. Protocols
You will always see the flag lowered on three holidays: September 11, Memorial Day, and National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. The state flag must always be at the right and under the national flag.
The governor of Colorado can order the state flag flown at half-staff. It usually happens after a national tragedy, the death of a federal official, or the funeral of a Colorado service member.
Every school and government building must have a suitable flagpole for the US and state flags. The two must be of the same size.
6. Applications
Unlike other places, Colorado is lenient about flag use. The law lets people include the design even in non-flag applications. Shops sell flag-inspired shirts, caps, decals, and other items.
You will see residents paint outdoor furniture with the tri-stripe. Sports teams, like the Colorado Rapids of the MLS, wear uniforms with flag colors.
Meanwhile, the Colorado state highway markers have the flag printed on top.
About Colorado Springs
1. Colorado Springs locals enjoy more than 300 sunny days. Due to its location and position which is over 6,000 feet above sea level, Colorado Springs is also one of the tallest cities in the U.S.
2. Nikola Tesla once had his experimental lab in an area that is now a memorial park. The exact spot is not established but it is alleged to have once been located between the Union Printers Home and the Colorado School for the Deaf. A marker now stands where the Tesla Experimental Station is believed to have been built.
3. The name for the Garden of the Gods landmark was inspired by beer. In 1859, surveyors Melancthon Sayre Beach and Rufus Cable were awestruck by the impressive red rocks in the area. Beach commented that the area would make a great beer garden, to which Cable replied that they should call the spot “Garden of the Gods.”
4. Colorado Springs has several mineral springs that were touted for their healing and refreshing properties.
In the 1890s, Manitou’s mineral springs attracted patients diagnosed with tuberculosis. The springs did not actually cure the disease but it helped relieve stress among patients, gave them much-needed rest, and helped them recover more quickly.
About Aurora, Colorado
1. Aurora used to be Fletcher. In the 1880s, a businessman named Donald Fletcher from Denver brought in partners to build and promote the town as a real estate opportunity. However, the prices of silver crashed in 1893, sending Fletcher running for cover and leaving the town with serious debt. The community decided to change the name to Aurora.
2. Norma O. Walker became the mayor of Aurora in 1965. She became the first female mayor of a city in the U.S. that had over 60,000 residents. She was also the only female mayor of the city until 2016. Walker served as the city’s head for two years.
3. The eighth World Youth Day was held in Cherry Creek State Park. It was the first WYD event held in an English-speaking country in North America. The event was attended and presided by the late Pope John Paul II himself. It is estimated that the event was attended by at least 500,000 young people who flocked to Aurora for the five-day event.
About Boulder, Colorado
1. The city earned the title Happiest City in the U.S. This recognition comes courtesy of the Today Show and National Geographic. It is also one of the communities in the U.S. that was voted as having high well-being among the locals.
2. Boulder is home to the Flatirons rock formation. There are five of these rock formations resembling flat irons and the third one, which is about 1,400 feet tall, has gained prominence as the part that gets climbed in the most creative ways. People have gone up this portion on roller skates, some have climbed without utilizing their hands, and others have scaled it without clothes on.
3. Boulder residents love cycling so much that there are times when bike paths are plowed first before the streets are.
About Centennial, Colorado
1. Centennial is a relatively young city. It was legally established on February 7, 2001, through the efforts of several locals who established the Arapahoe Citizens for Self-Determination with the goal of incorporating Centennial.
2. IKEA is a landmark. All cities have landmarks specific to them. Some may have structures or buildings while others may have famous natural spots. In Centennial, the Swedish furniture giant IKEA has staked its claim. The yellow-and-blue IKEA sign stands tall, dominating the area just off Interstate 25. The 92-foot tall sign is a beacon to all who pass by, particularly those looking for sturdy, economical home furnishings (and probably great Swedish meatballs).
Colorado Food Facts
1. Colorado State does not have official state food. However, it happens to have trout as the only edible state symbol. Or even better, it has lamb and beef as one of the primary commodities. It is ideal when making something simple and classy.
2. The first shredded wheat got manufactured in Colorado. Henry Perky was the pioneer of the machine that manufactured shredded wheat. Onward, such products have spread all over the nation of the US. The first factory to produce such a product was in Denver.
3. The most famous food in Colorado is Palisade peaches. The first settler planted the peach tree in 1982. Since then, the state exports such food products within the US and beyond the borders.
4. Rocky Mountain Oysters is another delicacy from Colorado. It is an animal product that you can serve with spicy cocktail sauce or pickles. The food is nutritious, with a high level of protein and vitamin content.
5. Colorado lamb is another famous delicacy that you will find in everyday cuisine. The meal is good in texture, rich in flavor, and does not contain artificial hormones.
Interesting places in Colorado to visit
1. Rocky mountain national park is located in the spectacular mountainous region of north-central Colorado. It is flanked by Grand Lake on the west and Estes Park on the east. It is one of the most visited national parks in the USA with approximately 3 million people flocking to the park annually.
2. Mesa Verde national park, located in Montezuma County, Colorado, is America’s premier archaeological wonder. It was established back in 1906 to interpret and preserve the archaeological heritage of the ancestral Pueblo community who had lived there for over 700 years. It houses many cliff dwellings and archaeological sites.
3. Garden of the Gods is a public park located in Colorado Springs. It is a magical one stop that provides a fantastic aerial view of Colorado’s scenery that one wouldn’t catch a glimpse of otherwise. It was donated by Charles Elliot Perkins’ family to Colorado Springs. It is simply a touch of charming nature.
4. Durango and the Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway, often abbreviated as D&SNG, the railroad has been operational between Durango and Silverton since 1882. It was initially constructed to haul gold and silver but it slowly gained traction among passengers who realized that the ride offered a view of Colorado’s mountain splendour unlike its counterparts.
5. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is located in Alamosa, Southern Colorado and houses a vast diversity of sand dunes, mountains and meadows. The park is spiced up by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains that are very impressive. What’s more, the amazing waterfall and wildlife.
6. Mount Evans is located in Clear Creek County and is a high-altitude rocky mountain peak. It accessible via a scenic byway, which is the highest paved road in North America. As you weave through, you’ll catch a glimpse at wildlife and once at the top, the spectacular view is all yours.
7. The Million Dollar Highway is a stretch of spectacular roadway between Silverton, Durango and Ouray. It is part of the San Juan Skyway. It extends for about 25 miles in western Colorado . It’s one of the most scenic drives in America.
8. Hanging Lake is a spectacular gem located on the White River National Forest. The trail is steep, rocky and rigorous but very fulfilling. It has very attractive scenery not forgetting the gentle waterfalls.
9. Colfax Avenue is about 26.5 miles and runs between Golden Lakewood, Denver and Aurora. It is a full swing commercial route, making it the longest street of its kind in state. Despite its infamous past, it has risen to be an entertainment galore with its brimming history and glorious eats.
10. Glenwood Springs also referred to as Colorado’s Land of Water, sits easy at the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork rivers, is a popular destination world over and is known for its great hot-springs amenities. It is simply where hot springs meet year-round outdoor adventures.
11. Leadville is the statutory city located in Lake County. It has many foot peaks viewable from the town. It’s rarefied and incredible scenery are the most welcoming of its features.
12. Rocky Ford is a statutory city in Otero County. It is located around 50 miles southeast of Pueblo. It is an agricultural town famous for cantaloupes and watermelons that are shipped nationwide. The town hosts the annual Arkansas Valley Fair which celebrates culture diversity as well as the outstanding agricultural community.
13. The SuperMax prison, often called the “Alcatraz of the Rockies” due to how secure it is, is located in Florence, Colorado. It is home to the world’s most dangerous criminals including El Chapo. It is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
14. Pikes Peak Cog Railway is a rack system cog railway that is 8.9 miles long and climbs the popular mountain Pikes Peak. The base station is in Manitou Springs with the world’s highest cog train taking families up to the 14,110 foot summit of the mountain.
Colorado – Quick Facts and State Symbols
| State Abbreviation | CO |
|---|---|
| State Capital | Denver |
| Largest City | Denver |
| State Size | Total (Land + Water): 104,094 sq miles; Land Only: 103,718 sq miles |
| Population | 5,877,610 (Estimate July 1, 2023 from United States Census Bureau) |
| Statehood | August 1, 1876 |
| State rank by population | 21st |
| State rank by date of formation | 38th |
| State rank by area | 8th |
| Number of Counties | 64 Complete list of 50 states and number of counties in each |
| Demonym | Coloradan |
| Bordering States | Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, Wyoming |
| Official Language | None |
| Highest Point | Mount Elbert in Lake County |
| Lowest point | Arikaree River at the Kansas border 3,317 ft (1011 m) |
| Mean elevation | 6,800 feet above sea level |
| Length | 280 miles (450 km) |
| Width | 380 miles (610 km) |
| Governor | Jared Polis (D) |
| Lieutenant Governor | Dianne Primavera (D) |
| Electoral Votes | 9 |
| State Motto | Nil sine numine (Nothing without the Deity) |
| State Nickname | Centennial State |
| % Water | 0.36% |
| Nobel Prize Winners | Edward Tatum (Physiology or Medicine, 1958) Willard F. Libby (Chemistry, 1960) John L. Hall (Physics, 2005) |
| Famous people | Dutch Clark (Pro Football player) Rich Gossage (Baseball player) AnnaSophia Robb (Actress) |
| Reptile | Western painted turtle |
| State Fossil | Stegosaurus |
| Amphibian | Western tiger salamander |
| State fish | Greenback cutthroat trout |
| State mammal | Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep |
| State Bird | Lark bunting |
| Pet | Colorado shelter pets |
| Gemstone | Aquamarine |
| Mineral | Rhodochrosite |
| Cactus | Claret cup cactus |
| State Tree | Colorado blue spruce |
| State Insect | Colorado hairstreak butterfly |
| Longitude | 102°03'W to 109°03'W |
| Latitude | 37°N to 41°N |
| Time Zone | Mountain Time Zone |
| Website | www.colorado.gov |
| Area Codes | 303,719,720,970 |
| Table last updated | July 1, 2024 |
