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Colorado, nicknamed the Centennial State, is located in the western United States. It was admitted as the 38th state on August 1, 1876, exactly 100 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. With an area of 104,094 square miles, Colorado is the 8th largest U.S. state and contains diverse landscapes including high plains, mountains, deserts, and canyons. Some major cities in Colorado include Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins, and Boulder.

History of Colorado

Evidence suggests that the first inhabitants of Colorado arrived about 12,000 years ago. The ancestors of Native American tribes, including the Apache, Arapaho, Cheyenne, Comanche, Kiowa, Navajo, and Ute, lived in the area for centuries before European explorers arrived. In 1540, the Spanish claimed control over the area but made little attempt to settle there. It wasn't until 1858 that gold was discovered along the South Platte River, sparking the Pike's Peak Gold Rush. This brought an influx of settlers to the region, and Denver City was founded in November 1858 to serve as a mining town. The Colorado Territory was established on February 28, 1861. After the American Civil War, an economic and population boom increased pressure for statehood. The Colorado Territory was finally admitted as a U.S. state on August 1, 1876, with Denver selected as the state capital.

Geography and Climate

Colorado exhibits incredible geographic diversity, with the Rocky Mountains bisecting the state and creating a continental divide. The mountains contain over 50 peaks exceeding 14,000 feet. To the east lie expansive high plains and rolling hills. Colorful canyons, rivers, national parks, forests, and monuments can be found throughout Colorado. Elevations range from 3,317 feet at the lowest point in Yuma County to 14,440 feet at the summit of Mount Elbert in Lake County, which is the highest point in the San Isabel National Forest. The varied topography leads to diverse regional climates, though the state as a whole is generally sunny and dry.

Economy and Industry

Key industries that drive Colorado's economy include tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, mining and energy production, aerospace and defense, bioscience, electronics, finance and data storage. Many major corporations are headquartered in Colorado, including Arrow Electronics, Ball Corporation, Dish Network, Level 3 Communications and Western Union. The state has plentiful natural resources including shale oil, natural gas, coal, gold, silver, uranium, molybdenum and thorium. Colorado is also a major agricultural producer, growing crops such as wheat, corn, hay, potatoes, sorghum and sunflowers. Cattle ranching and dairy farming are also important economic activities. Tourism contributes billions of dollars annually, supported by the state's national parks, ski resorts, cultural activities, and public lands. Popular ski destinations like Vail, Breckenridge, Aspen and Steamboat attract visitors from around the world. To learn more about Colorado's economy, visit the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.

Attractions and Destinations

Colorado is home to incredible scenery and adventures. Here are some of the top attractions and destinations in the state:

Rocky Mountain National Park

Located northwest of Boulder, Rocky Mountain National Park covers over 415 square miles of alpine lakes, forests, and tundra. Popular activities include hiking, camping, fishing, climbing, wildlife viewing, and skiing.

Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park in southwest Colorado preserves over 4,000 archaeological sites, including cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Pueblo people. It offers insight into the lives and culture of these ancient inhabitants.

Denver

The capital and largest city in Colorado, Denver is located on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. It's home to sports teams like the Broncos, Rockies and Nuggets, as well as cultural attractions like the Denver Art Museum, Denver Botanic Gardens and the Denver Zoo.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Covering over 107,000 acres in southern Colorado, Great Sand Dunes National Park features the tallest dunes in North America. Popular activities include sand sledding, hiking, camping and nature viewing.

Pikes Peak

Visible from Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak is a famous 14,115-foot mountain that can be accessed by highway, cog railway, or on foot. The stunning summit views make it one of Colorado's iconic landmarks.

Garden of the Gods

This public park in Colorado Springs contains dramatic red rock formations and hiking trails offering scenic vistas. Garden of the Gods is also known for rock climbing and mountain biking.

Colorado National Monument

West of Grand Junction, Colorado National Monument is famous for its red-rock canyons and monoliths. Activities include scenic driving, hiking, camping, rock climbing, and stargazing.

Aspen

Known for its ski resorts and cultural events, the charming mountain town of Aspen offers fine dining, shopping, recreation and scenic beauty. Nearby wilderness areas provide access to hiking, fishing, rafting and more.

Major Cities and Regions

Here is some information about Colorado's major cities and regions:

Denver

Denver is the state capital and largest city in Colorado. Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains, popular attractions include the Denver Zoo, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Denver Botanic Gardens, and the Denver Art Museum. Population: 727,211 (2020 estimate) County: Denver County Map Location

Colorado Springs

Known as Olympic City USA, Colorado Springs is home to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Olympic Committee headquarters, and many outdoor attractions. Population: 478,961 (2020 estimate) County: El Paso County Map Location

Aurora

Located just east of Denver, Aurora is the third largest city in Colorado and home to the Anschutz Medical Campus. Population: 379,347 (2020 estimate) County: Arapahoe County, Adams County, Douglas County Map Location

Boulder

Boulder is known for its outdoor recreation, progressive views, and relationship with the University of Colorado Boulder. Population: 108,249 (2020 estimate) County: Boulder County Map Location

Western Slope

The Western Slope consists of cities and towns west of the Continental Divide such as Grand Junction, Durango, Montrose, Steamboat Springs, Telluride, Aspen, and Vail. The region offers excellent skiing, mountain biking, fishing, rafting, hiking, wineries, farms, and ranches set against beautiful mountain scenery.

Eastern Plains

The Eastern Plains cover the rural, agricultural eastern side of Colorado. Sparsely populated, the flat grasslands are ideal for farming and cattle ranching. Some cities in the Eastern Plains include Sterling, Fort Morgan and La Junta.

Colorado Counties and County Seats

Colorado is divided into 64 counties. Below are the counties along with their county seats:

Adams County - Brighton
Alamosa County - Alamosa
Arapahoe County - Littleton
Archuleta County - Pagosa Springs
Baca County - Springfield
Bent County - Las Animas
Boulder County - Boulder
Broomfield County - Broomfield
Chaffee County - Salida
Cheyenne County - Cheyenne Wells
Clear Creek County - Georgetown
Conejos County - Conejos
Costilla County - San Luis
Crowley County - Ordway
Custer County - Westcliffe
Delta County - Delta
Denver County - Denver
Dolores County - Dove Creek
Douglas County - Castle Rock
Eagle County - Eagle
El Paso County - Colorado Springs
Elbert County - Kiowa
Fremont County - Cañon City
Garfield County - Glenwood Springs
Gilpin County - Central City
Grand County - Hot Sulphur Springs
Gunnison County - Gunnison
Hinsdale County - Lake City
Huerfano County - Walsenburg
Jackson County - Walden
Jefferson County - Golden
Kiowa County - Eads
Kit Carson County - Burlington
La Plata County - Durango
Lake County - Leadville
Larimer County - Fort Collins
Las Animas County - Trinidad
Lincoln County - Hugo
Logan County - Sterling
Mesa County - Grand Junction
Mineral County - Creede
Moffat County - Craig
Montezuma County - Cortez
Montrose County - Montrose
Morgan County - Fort Morgan
Otero County - La Junta
Ouray County - Ouray
Park County - Fairplay
Phillips County - Holyoke
Pitkin County - Aspen
Prowers County - Lamar
Pueblo County - Pueblo
Rio Blanco County - Meeker
Rio Grande County - Del Norte
Routt County - Steamboat Springs
Saguache County - Saguache
San Juan County - Silverton
San Miguel County - Telluride
Sedgwick County - Julesburg
Summit County - Breckenridge
Teller County - Cripple Creek
Washington County - Akron
Weld County - Greeley
Yuma County - Wray

Education

Colorado has 178 school districts providing primary and secondary education. Some of the largest districts include:

Adams 12 Five Star Schools - Thornton
Aurora Public Schools - Aurora
Boulder Valley School District - Boulder
Douglas County School District - Castle Rock
Jefferson County Public Schools - Golden

Colorado is also home to many colleges and universities, including:

University of Colorado System (Boulder, Denver, Colorado Springs, Anschutz Medical Campus)
Colorado School of Mines - Golden
Colorado State University - Fort Collins
University of Denver - Denver

Transportation

Colorado has an extensive transportation network connecting its cities and regions. Major airports include Denver International Airport and Colorado Springs Airport. Interstates 25, 70, and 76 are important highways crossing the state. Public transit options are available in Denver, Colorado Springs, and other metro areas. The Regional Transportation District operates public bus and rail services in the Denver metro area. Mountain communities like Aspen, Vail, and Summit County have regional transportation services for getting around by bus or shuttle. Amtrak serves Colorado with stops along the California Zephyr route that connects Chicago to San Francisco. Popular ski towns often run shuttle services from Denver International Airport during winter months.

Major Employers

Below are some of Colorado's major private and public sector employers:

Walmart

Retail Company 702 SW 8th St, Bentonville, AR 72716 (800) 925-6278

HealthONE

Hospital Network 1990 N Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80206 (303) 778-5600

Centura Health

Hospital Network 9100 E Mineral Cir, Centennial, CO 80112 (303) 663-3000

UCHealth

Hospital Network 12605 E 16th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045 (720) 848-0000

Denver Health

Hospital Network 777 Bannock St, Denver, CO 80204 (303) 436-6000

Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT)

State Agency 2829 W Howard Pl, Denver, CO 80204 (303) 757-9011

Denver Public Schools

Public School District 1860 Lincoln St, Denver, CO 80203 (720) 423-3200

Local Resources

Here are some additional local resources to help you make the most of your Colorado visit:

Colorado Tourism Office - Official state tourism website
VISIT DENVER - Denver convention and visitors bureau
Visit Colorado Springs - Colorado Springs visitors website
Visit Boulder - Boulder visitors and convention bureau
Aspen Chamber - Aspen visitor information
Visit Vail Valley - Vail visitor information
Visit Fort Collins - Fort Collins visitors bureau

Landmarks

Here are the GPS coordinates for 3 famous Colorado landmarks:

Pikes Peak

38.8408° N, 105.0442° W

Garden of the Gods

38.8708° N, 104.8608° W

Mesa Verde National Park

37.2782° N, 108.4626° W

Government

The capital and seat of state government is Denver. The Colorado General Assembly is the state legislature consisting of the House of Representatives and Senate. The current governor is Jared Polis. See the State of Colorado website for information on state agencies and services. At the federal level, Colorado is represented in the United States Congress by senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper. Colorado has 7 seats in the House of Representatives.

Stay Connected

Follow Colorado on social media to keep up with news, events, and information: Colorado Facebook Colorado Twitter Colorado Instagram

Sports Teams

Colorado is home to professional sports teams across several major leagues:

Denver Nuggets (NBA Basketball)
Colorado Avalanche (NHL Hockey)
Colorado Rockies (MLB Baseball)
Denver Broncos (NFL Football)
Colorado Rapids (MLS Soccer)

The state also has several college teams in the NCAA Pac-12 Conference including the University of Colorado Buffaloes and Colorado State Rams.

Top 10 Most Populous Cities in Colorado

Denver

Denver is the capital and most populous city in Colorado with an estimated population of 727,211 as of 2021. It is located in the South Platte River Valley on the western edge of the High Plains just east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. Denver is the 19th most populous city in the U.S. and one of the fastest growing in the country. Major industries in Denver include financial services, broadcasting, manufacturing, and energy. Some top attractions in Denver include the Denver Art Museum, Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Zoo, and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. The city is also home to major sports teams including the Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies, Colorado Avalanche, and Denver Nuggets. The City and County of Denver government website can be found here: https://www.denvergov.org/ For more on visiting Denver, see the Visit Denver tourism website. Follow the latest Denver news and events on the city's Facebook page.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is the second most populous city in Colorado and the 40th most populous city in the U.S. with an estimated population of 478,961 as of 2021. It is located about 70 miles south of Denver at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains. Major industries include military, tourism, manufacturing, and healthcare. Top attractions include the Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, the U.S. Olympic Training Center, and the U.S. Air Force Academy. The city is also known as Olympic City USA for its connections to the Olympic movement. The City of Colorado Springs government website can be found here: https://coloradosprings.gov/ For more on visiting Colorado Springs, see the Visit Colorado Springs tourism website. Follow local news and events on the Colorado Springs Facebook page.

Aurora

Aurora is the third most populous city in Colorado and the 54th most populous in the U.S. with an estimated population of 380,853 as of 2021. It is located in the Denver metropolitan area along the eastern edge of the Front Range Urban Corridor. Major industries include aerospace, bioscience, healthcare, and defense contracting. Top attractions include the Aurora History Museum, Morrison Nature Center, Aurora Sports Park, and the Aurora Fox Arts Center. Aurora also has a vibrant culinary scene with many diverse restaurants. The City of Aurora government website can be found here: https://www.auroragov.org/ For more on visiting Aurora, see the Visit Aurora tourism website. Follow local Aurora news and happenings on the city's Facebook page.

Fort Collins

Fort Collins is a city in northern Colorado with an estimated population of 169,810 as of 2021, making it the fourth most populous city in the state. It is located along the Cache La Poudre River about 65 miles north of Denver. Major industries include technology, education, and beer brewing. Top attractions include the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, Horsetooth Reservoir, Colorado State University, and many craft breweries. The city is very bike friendly and has an extensive network of trails. The City of Fort Collins government website can be found at: https://www.fcgov.com/ For more on visiting Fort Collins, see the Visit Fort Collins tourism website. Follow news and events in Fort Collins on the city's Facebook page.

Lakewood

Lakewood is a city located west of Denver in Jefferson County with a population of 155,958 as of 2021, making it the fifth most populous city in Colorado. It is part of the Denver metropolitan area. Major industries include technology, healthcare, higher education, and retail. Top attractions include the Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park, Lakewood Heritage Center, and Bear Creek Lake Park. Lakewood also has a vibrant culinary and arts scene. The City of Lakewood government website is: https://www.lakewood.org/ For visitor information, see the Visit Lakewood website. Follow Lakewood local news and events on the city's Facebook page.

Thornton

Thornton is a city located north of Denver in Adams and Weld counties with a population of 140,034 as of 2021, making it the sixth most populous city in Colorado. Thornton has experienced rapid growth in recent decades as part of the Denver metropolitan area expansion. Top attractions include the Margaret Carpenter Recreation Center, Thornton Community Center, and several large city parks. Thornton also has many dining, shopping, and entertainment options. The City of Thornton government website is: https://www.thorntonco.gov/ For visitor information, see Visit Thornton. Follow news and events in Thornton on the city's Facebook page.

Arvada

Arvada is a suburban city located northwest of Denver in Jefferson and Adams counties with a population of 120,956 as of 2021, making it the seventh largest city in Colorado. Arvada was incorporated in 1904. Top attractions include the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, Arvada Historical Society & Museums, and Apex Recreation Center. Olde Town Arvada is a popular historic district with shopping, dining, and entertainment. The City of Arvada government website is: https://arvada.org/ For visitor information, see Visit Arvada. Follow Arvada news and happenings on the city's Facebook page.

Westminster

Westminster is a city in Adams and Jefferson counties with a population of 116,452 as of 2021, making it the eighth largest city in Colorado. It is located north and west of Denver within the Denver metropolitan area. Top attractions include Butterfly Pavilion, City Park Recreation Center, and Westminster Promenade outdoor shopping center. The city has many parks, open spaces, and miles of trails. The City of Westminster government website is: https://www.cityofwestminster.us/ For visitor information, see Visit Westminster. Follow news and events in Westminster on the city's Facebook page.

Pueblo

Pueblo is a city located along the Arkansas River in southern Colorado with a population of 112,577 as of 2021, making it the ninth most populous city in the state. It has a long history dating back to Fort Pueblo in the early 1840s. Top attractions include the Pueblo Zoo, Buell Children's Museum, El Pueblo History Museum, and Lake Pueblo State Park. The Historic Arkansas Riverwalk runs through downtown. The City of Pueblo government website is: https://www.pueblo.us/ For visitor information, see Visit Pueblo. Follow news and events in Pueblo on the city's Facebook page.

Centennial

Centennial is a city located in Arapahoe County, part of the Denver metropolitan area. It has a population of 110,250 as of 2021, making it the 10th most populous city in Colorado. Centennial is one of the newest cities in Colorado, incorporated in 2001. Top attractions include the Centennial Center Park, the Streets at SouthGlenn shopping center, and the deKoevend Park. There are also many miles of trails and open space. The City of Centennial government website is: https://www.centennialco.gov/ For visitor information, see Visit Centennial. Follow Centennial local news and happenings on the city's Facebook page.
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