History of Colorado, USA

1858 - Colorado's first and oldest military post, Fort Garland was established in 1858 and commanded by the legendary frontiersman Kit Carson.

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1859 - John Gregory discovered "The Gregory Lode" in a gulch near Central City, Colorado.
Within two weeks, the gold rush was on and within two months the population grew to 10,000 people in search of their fortune. It came to be known as "The Richest Square Mile on Earth".
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1862 - First oil well drilled (Colorado)

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1869 - Colorado - The World's First Rodeo was held on July 4th, 1869 in Deer Trail.
On July 4, 1869, Deer Trail, Colorado, hosted the world's first rodeo, marking the birth of a quintessentially American tradition. This inaugural event was a competition between local cowboys, originally aimed at determining who was the most skilled at ranching tasks. The contest included events such as bronco riding and roping, which showcased the abilities necessary for everyday work on the range. These early rodeos were not only a test of skill but also a form of entertainment and community gathering for settlers in the Wild West.

The Deer Trail rodeo set the stage for what would become a beloved national pastime, blending elements of Western heritage, athleticism, and showmanship. Over time, rodeos evolved into more structured and widely recognized competitions, eventually becoming a staple of American culture with professional circuits and national championships.
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1876 - Colorado became the 38th state

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1891 - June 21 – First long-distance transmission of alternating current by the Ames power plant near Telluride, Colorado, by Lucien and Paul Nunn.
On June 21, 1891, a significant milestone in the history of electrical engineering occurred with the first long-distance transmission of alternating current (AC) by the Ames power plant near Telluride, Colorado. Spearheaded by brothers Lucien and Paul Nunn, this pioneering effort marked a pivotal advancement in the utilization of AC for practical purposes. The Ames power plant successfully transmitted electricity over a distance of about three miles to power a motor in the Gold King Mine, demonstrating the feasibility and efficiency of AC for long-distance electrical transmission.

This achievement was instrumental in the broader adoption of AC over direct current (DC), which had been the dominant form of electrical transmission up to that point. The success of the Ames power plant project provided a practical validation of the theories and innovations developed by Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse, who championed the AC system. This event underscored the superiority of AC in... Read MORE...

1895 - Colorado
Colorado, kol-o-rah'do £ ko-lo-rà'do), a W. central state of the American Union, traversed by the Rocky Mountains. It is bounded N. by Wyoming and Nebraska, E. by Nebraska and Kansas, S. by Oklahoma and New Mexico, and W. by Utah. The 37th and 41st parallels of N. latitude and the meridians of the 102d and 109th degrees of W. longitude enclose the state. Area, 103,925 square miles. In the order of its admission to the Union it is the thirty-eighth state...
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1905 - Colorado had three governors in one day due to a political squabble
In a rather dramatic episode in Colorado's political history, January 17, 1905, became known as the day the state had three governors within a span of 24 hours. The unusual sequence of events was sparked by a contentious gubernatorial election in which Democrat Alva Adams initially claimed victory over Republican incumbent James Peabody. However, accusations of electoral fraud led to a heated dispute. The Republican-dominated legislature investigated and concluded that Peabody had indeed lost but under dubious circumstances, prompting them to invalidate many of Adams's votes.

In a compromise aimed at restoring political stability, the legislature agreed to seat Peabody for a single day on the condition that he resign immediately after taking office. This peculiar arrangement allowed Lieutenant Governor Jesse McDonald, also a Republican, to ascend to the governorship. Thus, on that fateful day, Alva Adams, James Peabody, and Jesse McDonald all held the title of Governor of Colorado, ... Read MORE...

1906 - United States Mint in Denver issued its first coins.

In 1906, the United States Mint in Denver issued its first coins, marking a significant milestone in American numismatic history. The Denver Mint was established to serve the growing needs of the Western United States, where gold and silver mining was booming. The facility, originally built as a branch of the United States Mint, was authorized by Congress in 1904 and opened for operation in 1906. Its establishment aimed to alleviate the pressure on the Philadelphia Mint and reduce the costs associated with transporting precious metals across the country.

The Denver Mint's first production included gold and silver coins, reflecting the abundant resources mined in the region. This event not only symbolized the economic growth and development of the Western states but also underscored the importance of Denver as a hub for minting and commerce.
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1913 - The "Big Snow of 1913" covered Colorado with 3 - 5 feet; licensing of automobiles began; Helen Robinson was first elected woman to serve in state Senate

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1914 - April 20 - Ludlow Massacre (Colorado Coalfield War (1913–14)): The Colorado National Guard attacks a tent colony of 1,200 striking coal miners in Ludlow, Colorado in the United States, killing 24 people.

wikipedia.org
April 20, 1914

1924 - August 10 - Colorado's deadliest tornado killed a woman and nine children in one house along its twenty-mile path east southeast of Thurman.
Mennonite men had left the farm to provide possible aid, as the 200-yard wide storm was first seen while far away.
The Weather Channel
August 10, 1924

1935 - March 12-25 - Suffocating dust storms occurred frequently in southeastern Colorado between the 12th and the 25th of the month.
Six people died, and many livestock starved or suffocated. Up to six feet of dust covered the ground. Schools were closed, and many rural homes were deserted by tenants.
The Weather Channel
March 25, 1935

1942 - YOUNG ARVADA GIRL IS KILLED.
Denver, Sept. 7. - A frightened horse bolted into the side of a moving tramway car today, killing the 15 year old rider, JANET LaMOURE of Arvada.

Ned B. McGuire, operator of a Denver to Golden interurban told highway patrolmen he sounded the car's whistle at a crossing and the horse, frightened by the noise shied directly into the car.
Greeley Daily Times
Greeley, Colorado
September 7, 1942

February 1, 1951 - The temperature at Taylor Park Dam plunged to 60 degrees below zero, a record for the state of Colorado.

WeatherForYou.com

1958 - Colorado suffered from grasshopper plague
In 1958, Colorado experienced a severe grasshopper plague that wreaked havoc across the state. The infestation was one of the worst in the region's history, with millions of grasshoppers descending on farmlands, devouring crops, and causing significant agricultural damage. The grasshoppers, driven by favorable weather conditions that allowed their population to explode, consumed vast amounts of vegetation, stripping fields bare and threatening the livelihoods of many farmers.

The state's response involved a coordinated effort between farmers, local governments, and agricultural agencies to combat the infestation. Measures included widespread pesticide application and the mobilization of resources to protect crops.
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1976 - A cloudburst on the Big Thompson River resulted in a massive flood in Larimer County, killing more than 145 people
On July 31, 1976, a devastating natural disaster struck Larimer County, Colorado, when a sudden and intense cloudburst caused the Big Thompson River to overflow, resulting in a catastrophic flood. This deluge, triggered by an unprecedented rainfall of up to 12 inches in just a few hours, transformed the normally placid river into a raging torrent. The floodwaters, which peaked at an estimated 31,200 cubic feet per second, swept through the narrow canyon with tremendous force, obliterating everything in their path. Homes, vehicles, and infrastructure were destroyed, leading to extensive property damage and the tragic loss of over 145 lives.

The Big Thompson Flood of 1976 is remembered as one of the deadliest flash floods in U.S. history. The disaster struck with little warning, catching many residents and tourists off guard during a holiday weekend. Rescue operations were challenging due to the remote and rugged terrain, further complicated by nightfall. The aftermath of the flood... Read MORE...

2023 - Colorado has something for everyone. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in the Centennial State:
1. Rocky Mountain National Park: This iconic national park offers breathtaking mountain scenery, hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and opportunities for camping and stargazing.

2. Garden of the Gods: Located in Colorado Springs, this natural red rock formation is a must-visit. You can hike, rock climb, or simply admire the stunning geological features.

3. Denver: The capital city has a vibrant arts and culture scene. Visit the Denver Art Museum, explore the historic Larimer Square, or catch a game at Coors Field if you're a sports enthusiast.

4. Mesa Verde National Park: Discover the ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Pueblo people in southwestern Colorado. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a fascinating look into Native American history.

5. Telluride: This charming mountain town is famous for its stunning scenery, world-class skiing in the winter, and music festivals in the summer.

6. Great Sand Dunes National Park: Experience the surreal beauty of... Read MORE...