In 1706 Juan de Uribarri claimed Colorado for Spain
In 1776 Padre Francisco Escalante founds the first settlement in colorado along the San Juan river. The name of the town was Nuestra Sonoro las Nieves.
In the autumn 1858 two miners from Georgia, John Beck & William Russell found gold in two locations on the east slope (Cherry Creek area) along the Platte River.
In December 1859 following a discovery of gold in Boulder Canyon a rush of over 100,000 would be miners flood the Rocky Mountain region.
February 28, 1861 Congress authorizes the creation of two new territories, Colorado and Nevada. William Gilpin is named territorial governor of Colorad0
August 1, 1876 Colorado is given statehood. John Routt is chosen first governor.
In the Autumn of 1891 Cripple Creek is innundated with miners interest in mining was renewed earlier in the year following the discovery of a large gold field in the area by Bob Womack.
April 20, 1914 18 people are killed after National Guardsmen and a security detail employed by the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company set fire to tents filled with striking mine workers. Survivors of the fire were shot by the Guardsmen and security forced as they fled the burning tents. Casualties included 3 men, 2 women, and 13 children.
The name Colorado comes from the Spanish, the word means red. The state was named because the Colorado river runs through red canyons.
The state nickname is the "Centennial State" named because the territory of Colorado was admitted to the Union 100 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The Capitol of Colorado is Denver
The state motto is: "Nothing Without Providence".
The state bird is the Lark Bunting.
The state animal is the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep.
The state tree is the Colorado Blue Spruce
The state fossil is the Stegosaurus
The point of the highest elevation in the state is Mount Elbert at 14,433' above sea level.
