On this very day 150 years ago–August 1st, 1876– Colorado became the 38th state.
When folks think of Colorado, they think of mountains,skiing, Denver.
But ask anyone, especially folks who live outside the Front Range (the urban corridor consisting of Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, Ft. Collins, etc.) and they will tell you Colorado offers much more than mountains.
High desert, on the western third of the state.
The world’s largest flat-topped mountain (Grand Mesa).
The Great Plains, on the eastern third of the state.
Coloradoans, or Coloradans, (take your pick)–we’re spoiled by this sheer amount of topographical variety. For example, drive from Denver to Grand Junction (the largest city on the Western Slope, just 30 miles from the Utah border). In those 4 hours, you’ll view the Great Plains, foothills, the Continental Divide, several high mountain passes, ski resorts, to pinyon and juniper country, and red rock country.
Amazing.
I love this state so much, for all the opportunities it’s provided me, and all the outdoor adventures I’ve experienced. And I know there’s still so much more to explore within the Centennial State! 🙂
Colorado 150 – USA 250
2026 marks several keystone anniversaries. To celebrate both Colorado’s 150th anniversary and the USA’s 250th anniversary, History Colorado has put together The America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission. According to their site, https://www.historycolorado.org/colorado-150, this commission was “established to guide Colorado’s twin commemorations in ways that enable all Coloradans to participate. We encourage Coloradans from all corners of our state to undertake diverse, imaginative efforts to remember our shared past and imagine a unified future.
As we create opportunities to commemorate and celebrate Colorado’s stories, the Commission is committed to recognizing that our shared history includes the experiences of all who have called Colorado home.
2026 will be an opportunity for us to come together as we celebrate Colorado by acknowledging our complete shared history, honor what makes Colorado unique, and recognize our shared destiny as we strive toward a more perfect union.”
Pretty neat!
To celebrate these anniversaries, there’s several unique events happening throughout the state, be sure to check out this calendar put together by the commission.
Let’s have fun celebrating Colorado and the USA!
-LMC