About Colorado

Colorado is a state in the western United States.  It is one of only three states (the others are Wyoming and Utah) that have only lines of latitude and longitude for borders. It is one of the four states that make the Four Corners Monument at its southwestern-most point.

The Rocky Mountains within Colorado contain 54 peaks that are 14,000 feet or higher, known as fourteeners. The mountains are timbered with conifers and aspen to the tree-line, at an elevation of about 12,000 feet in southern Colorado to about 10,500 feet in northern Colorado; above this only alpine vegetation grows. The Rockies are snow-covered only in the winter; most snow melts by mid-August with the exception of a few small glaciers.

History

The word “Colorado” was selected by Congress in 1861 as the name for the territory that is today a state. The name has its origins in the Spanish language, where it is directly translated as “colored,” and is often taken to mean “reddish colored.”   In Colorado, history spans millions of years, as documented by the spectacular geography, timeless national monuments and epic stories. It’s a heritage that includes massive dinosaurs, ancient Native American ruins and ghost towns bearing the memories of the Old West’s most notorious characters.

The territory that ultimately became Colorado was added to the United States by the 1803 Louisiana Purchase and the 1848 Mexican Cession. The Colorado Gold Rush of 1859 brought many settlers to the Denver area, though the population collapsed following an initial mining boom. The Colorado Territory was organized as a United States territory on February 28, 1861, and Colorado attained statehood August 1, 1876, (earning it the moniker the “Centennial State”). Colorado women were granted the right to vote starting on November 7, 1893.

Economy

Agriculture, especially the raising of cattle and sheep and production of dairy goods, is economically important in the state. Crops include wheat, hay, corn, and sugar beets. Since the 1950s manufacturing has been the major source of income in the state. Food processing is a major industry; others include the manufacture of computer equipment, aerospace products, transportation equipment, and electrical equipment; printing and publishing; and the production of fabricated metals, chemicals, and lumber. Federal facilities including army and air force bases, prisons, and the Denver Mint, as well as regional offices, contribute greatly to the economy.

Tourism plays a vital role in Colorado’s economy. The state’s climate, scenery, historical sites, and extensive recreational facilities bring millions of visitors annually. Numerous resorts in towns such as Vail and Aspen attract visitors year-round as well as during ski season. Besides fine hunting, fishing, and skiing there are many special events held in the state, including arts festivals, rodeos, and fairs.