Celebrate Colorado Day Monday, August 1, Free entrance to all State Parks
History of Colorado Day
About 14,000 years ago, several Native American tribes, including the Ancestral Puebloans, Apache, Arapaho, Cheyenne, Comanche, Shoshone, and Ute nations, inhabited Colorado. The first European contact was by the Spanish conquistadors, one of whom — Juan de Onate — founded the Spanish province of ‘Santa Fe de Nuevo Mexico’ on July 11, 1598. Eventually, Colorado became a part of this province, and the regular trade between the Spaniards and Native Americans who lived there became known as ‘Comercio Comanchero,’ meaning ‘Comanche Trade.’
In 1803, the United States made a territorial claim to the eastern part of the Rocky Mountains, which the Spanish, who claimed sovereignty over the territory, contested. In 1846, the U.S. went to war with Mexico, winning and claiming the Southern Rocky Mountains for American settlement. However, it wasn’t until a few years later that settlement began in earnest due to the ‘Pikes Peak Gold Rush.’ On June 22, 1850, a man called Lewis Ralston discovered gold in a stream flowing into Clear Creek; he immediately named the stream ‘Ralston’s Creek.’ In 1857, gold seekers began flooding the territory to search for gold — this led to the beginning of the “Pikes Peak Gold Rush.” Three years later, an estimated 100,000 people had come in search of gold, which caused a population boom. However, they settled for silver, hard rock gold, and other minerals when the gold eventually got exhausted.
On February 28, 1861, Colorado became a U.S. territory by an Act of Congress signed by President James Buchanan — this happened during the infamous secession of the Southern States that led to the American Civil War. On August 1, 1876, President Grant signed a proclamation admitting Colorado to the Union as the 38th State, 28 days after the Centennial Celebration of the United States, earning it the moniker “Centennial State.” ‘Colorado Day’ was first celebrated in 1907.
Colorado Day Activities
Say “Happy Colorado Day!”
Celebrate by wishing all Coloradans a ‘Happy Colorado Day!’ Send a goodwill message to all Coloradans you know or post a kind message online.
Study the U.S map
Study the map of the United States and try to locate Colorado. If you don’t have a physical map, tons are available online.
Learn more about Colorado
There’s so much rich and fascinating information about the state of Colorado. Conduct some research and even plan a future visit. Begin from our “facts” section and explore further!
5 Random Facts About Colorado
Colorado was ahead on women’s rights
On November 7, 1893, women won the right to vote in Colorado, becoming the first Union state to achieve this.
Four states meet in Colorado
Colorado borders Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, making it possible to be in all four states simultaneously!
Colorado holds a world record
At 1,002 feet deep, the Mother Spring aquifer is the world’s deepest hot spring.
Another world record!
Spanning several 100 square miles, the Grand Mesa in Colorado is the world’s largest flattop mountain.
Home to America’s highest suspension bridge
At 1,053 feet, the Royal Gorge Bridge is the country’s highest suspension bridge.
"There's so much to celebrate in Colorado, from more than 70% of Coloradans rolling up their sleeves to get the safe and effective vaccine, to our economy roaring back even stronger from this pandemic," Governor Jared Polis said in a statement. "I encourage everyone to celebrate Colorado Day responsibly, whether that’s by visiting one of the 42 beautiful state parks completely free on August 2nd, by visiting a local small business or taking a moment to pause and reflect. Our state has it all, and I encourage every Coloradan to get out there and enjoy it.”
Speaking of free things, all of the museums part of History Colorado will offer free admission on Sunday:
- History Colorado Center
- Center for Colorado Women's History in Denver
- El Pueblo History Museum
- Port Garland Museum & Cultural Center
- Ute Indian Museum




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