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, a unique occurrence in American political history.