Today’s post is for history buffs as we celebrate our state’s birthday. Colorado became the 38th state in August 1, 1876 having been a territory from 1861. At the western entrance to the capitol building, carved into the 15th step is the inscription “One Mile Above Sea Level” which explains, Denver’s Mile High City moniker. Although later determined to be off due to inaccurate measuring techniques at the time, a marker now rests at the 13th step with is exactly one mile high. Originally plated with 200 ounces of 24-karat gold leaf as a nod to the state’s gold rush days and to all those who helped build and settle Colorado, the dome received a fresh reapplication of 65 ounces of .999 pure Colorado mined gold three years ago. It truly sparkles in the Rocky Mountain sun. Modern day settlers are seeking another kind of rush…marijuana and a booming economy with thousands moving to the state every year. There are now over 5.4 million people in Colorado.
Designed by Elijah E. Myers in a neoclassical design, the capitol was built in the 1890’s from Colorado white granite and opened in 1894. The interior has copious amounts of rare Colorado Rose Onyx marble with the main entrance hall open to the top of the dome and as tall as an 18-story building. The capitol is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is part of Denver’s Civic Center area.
Happy 140th, Colorado. You’re still looking good. How old is your state?
Live, love, bark! <3
32 thoughts on “Happy Birthday, Colorado”
Happy birthday Colorado! Nice post.
Thank you. And thanks for swinging by the “Ranch.” We <3 visitors.
Happy birthday Colorado! You’ve inspired my human to find out about our home state, California. Here’s what we found: California became the 31st American state on September 9, 1850. We’re going to be 166 years old in September! Thanks for the history lesson 🙂 Woofs and wags ~ Kona
How cool is that. California and I share birthdays, only a few years apart. [smirk] Hope California has a super Virgo birthday, Kona!
Thanks for the lesson I enjoyed it. I’ve been to Colorado several times so this was cool
Not really related but I can’t communicate otherwise — What happened to Monday??. My computer tells me that your page is not available
I was still half asleep when I published the first article then realized I goofed. Haven’t figured out how to ‘get the toothpaste’ back into the tube. 😉
If you do figure it out, please let me know :o)
You got it!
I didn’t know that about why it was called Mile High City! Cool! Happy Birthday Colorado!
For some reason we were thinking you were on the east coast. You are right next door! Happy birfday Colorado!
Murphy & Stanley
Thanks, yes, we are sharing a lot of the same hot air lately. 😉
Happy Birthday Colorado:: South Australia 28th December 1836
You’ve got a few years on us. Happy early birthday South Australia! 🙂
Both New York – where I was born and raised – and South Carolina – where I’ve been living since shortly after my 40th birthday – were among the 13 original states.
You East-Coasters are more than a leg up on us out West. 🙂
old. Old old old is Maryland. And my native state of Florida. Ponce de Leon old.
Ah yes…the Fountain of Youth Florida. 😊
You’re doing better than us in Arizona. Arizona because the 48th state in February 1912. The signs pointing out the centennial are still up along the freeways. I guess that in 2112, they’ll save money by pasting “Bi-centennial” over “Centennial”.
Haha! Sounds like someone was out on the day it should have been updated. 🙂
Updated? They should have been removed. It’s been 4½ years since the Centennial.
Perhaps the “Bi” can be updated out with a patch of duck tape?
I spent a couple of happy summers in Colorado. Happy birthday.
And what a great state to spend summer at! 🙂
Tennessee: June 1, 1796. 220 years. Happy birthday to Colorado.
Whoa…we are definitely ‘youngins’ out West, Lexi. 🙂
Great article! I remember getting a tour of the capitol when I was in middle school. It’s a beautiful building inside and out. Happy Colorado Day!
It is a beautiful capitol building. Always gives me a sense of pride whenever I walk through it. Happy Colorado Day!
Happy Birthday CO! What a beautiful state..Garden of the Gods was amazing to see. Very jealous that you get to live in such a beautiful state!!
Thanks! It really is a beautiful state, just wish it was less crowded. 😉
Happy Birthday Colorado! We love you!!! Brittany exists since 846, therefore something looks a little aged and things go slowly here :o)
But ever so lovely! Brittany is about the same age as Frankfurt, my hometown. 🙂