Colorado is a Rocky Mountain state renowned for world-class skiing, stunning national parks, and vibrant outdoor culture. From the soaring peaks of the Rockies to the red rock canyons of the southwest, Colorado offers some of America's most dramatic landscapes and outdoor adventures.
Colorado's recorded history began with ancient Ancestral Puebloan peoples who created remarkable cliff dwellings in the southwest corner of the state over 1,000 years ago. Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century, and the region passed from Spain to Mexico before becoming US territory after the Mexican-American War in 1848. The 1859 Pikes Peak Gold Rush transformed Colorado overnight from wilderness to booming territory, attracting over 100,000 prospectors. It became the 38th state in 1876, earning the nickname 'The Centennial State' for entering the union 100 years after American independence. Colorado's 20th century history includes the rise of skiing as a major industry pioneered by WWII veterans, significant environmental conservation milestones, and emergence as a technology and outdoor recreation economy hub.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Colorado.
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1
Ancestral Puebloan Era
Ancient peoples build elaborate multi-story cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde and throughout southwestern Colorado, developing sophisticated agricultural and architectural systems
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2
Spanish Exploration
Francisco Vásquez de Coronado leads first European expedition through the Colorado region searching for the mythical Seven Cities of Gold
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3
Spanish Claims
Spain formally claims Colorado territory as part of New Spain
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4
Louisiana Purchase
Eastern Colorado becomes US territory through the Louisiana Purchase from France, doubling the size of the young United States
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5
Mexican Cession
Western Colorado becomes US territory following the Mexican-American War through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
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6
Pikes Peak Gold Rush
Gold discovered near Denver triggers massive migration of 100,000+ prospectors - 'Pikes Peak or Bust' becomes the national rallying cry transforming Colorado overnight
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7
Colorado Territory Established
Colorado officially organized as a US territory with Denver as territorial capital
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8
Colorado Statehood
Colorado becomes the 38th US state on August 1, 1876 - exactly 100 years after American independence earning the nickname 'The Centennial State'
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9
Ludlow Massacre
Colorado National Guard attacks a United Mine Workers tent colony at Ludlow, killing miners and their families in a turning point for US labor rights history
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10
10th Mountain Division
Elite military ski troopers of the 10th Mountain Division train at Camp Hale (elevation 10,200 feet) for alpine warfare in WWII, later founding Colorado's ski industry
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11
Vail Founded
Pete Seibert and Earl Eaton found Vail ski resort after Seibert's vision from WWII service, beginning Colorado's modern ski industry boom
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12
Denver Olympic Rejection
Colorado voters become the first in history to reject hosting the Olympic Games, reflecting the state's growing environmental consciousness
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13
Cannabis Legalization
Colorado becomes the first US state to legalize recreational cannabis, transforming the state into a national model for drug policy reform
Historical eras
The chapters of Colorado's past.
Ancestral Puebloan Period
Ancient agricultural society builds elaborate cliff dwellings and develops complex culture throughout the Four Corners region before mysteriously abandoning their settlements
Spanish Colonial Era
Spanish and later Mexican territorial control brings European culture to southern Colorado. San Luis (founded 1851) is Colorado's oldest continuously inhabited town.
Gold and Silver Rush Era
Successive gold and silver rushes transform Colorado from wilderness to booming territory with Denver, Leadville, Telluride, and Cripple Creek becoming major mining centers
Statehood and Settlement
Colorado becomes the 38th state and develops agriculture, ranching, and resort industries. Denver grows into a major western city.
Ski Industry and Modern Colorado
WWII veterans from the 10th Mountain Division found Colorado's ski industry. Environmental conservation, technology, and outdoor recreation define modern Colorado.
Historical sites
Places where Colorado's past comes alive.
Mesa Verde National Park
UNESCO World Heritage Site preserving over 600 ancient cliff dwellings including Cliff Palace - North America's largest cliff dwelling with 150 rooms and 23 ceremonial kivas. A profound connection to Colorado's ancient past.
Where: 35853 Hwy 160, Cortez, CO 81321
Admission: $35/vehicle (park entrance)
Denver Union Station
Beautifully restored Beaux-Arts train station that was the hub of Denver's growth and western expansion. Now a vibrant dining, hotel, and entertainment destination while maintaining its historic grandeur.
Where: 1701 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202
Admission: Free to enter
Colorado State Capitol
Denver's golden-domed capitol building with 24-karat gold leaf dome and the famous Step 13 marking exactly one mile above sea level on the west entrance. Rose onyx wainscoting inside is Colorado's most unique architectural feature.
Where: 200 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80203
Admission: Free (guided tours available)
Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
Reconstructed 1833 fur trading post on the Santa Fe Trail that served as the most important commercial center in the southern Rocky Mountain region. Living history demonstrations in summer.
Where: 35110 CO-194, La Junta, CO 81050
Admission: $10 adults
Georgetown Historic District
Remarkably preserved Victorian silver mining town with over 200 historic structures from the silver boom. One of Colorado's best preserved 19th-century towns with authentic frontier character.
Where: Georgetown, CO 80444
Admission: Free to walk; Georgetown Loop Railroad $28-45
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
National Historic Landmark steam-powered narrow gauge railroad running since 1882 through spectacular San Juan Mountains canyon country between Durango and the historic mining town of Silverton.
Where: 479 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
Admission: $65-100 adults
Leadville National Historic District
America's highest city at 10,151 feet, Leadville was once Colorado's second-largest city during the silver boom. Historic Harrison Avenue and surrounding streets preserve remarkable Victorian architecture.
Where: Leadville, CO 80461
Admission: Free to walk; Tabor Opera House $7
Museums
Curated collections that tell Colorado's story.
History Colorado Center
State history museum in Denver with excellent interactive exhibits covering Colorado's history from ancient Native Americans through the gold rush to the present day
Hours: 10AM-5PM daily
Admission: $14 adults, $10 youth (6-12)
Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
Excellent free museum covering Pikes Peak region history in a beautifully preserved 1903 El Paso County Courthouse building
Hours: 10AM-5PM Tue-Sat
Admission: Free
Anasazi Heritage Center
Bureau of Land Management museum near Mesa Verde with a large and excellent collection of Ancestral Puebloan artifacts and interactive exhibits
Hours: 9AM-5PM daily (Mar-Nov), 9AM-4PM (Dec-Feb)
Admission: $8 adults
Molly Brown House Museum
Restored Victorian home of the 'Unsinkable Molly Brown' Titanic survivor and Denver society figure - one of Denver's most beloved historic house museums
Hours: 10AM-4PM Mon-Sat, 12PM-4PM Sun
Admission: $16 adults, $11 children
Black American West Museum
Denver museum documenting the significant and often overlooked role of African Americans in the settling of the American West
Hours: 10AM-2PM Fri-Sun
Admission: $8 adults
Historical tours
Guided experiences that bring history to life.
Walking tours
Free walking tours of Denver's LoDo historic district daily at 10AM departing from Denver Union Station - offered by Denver history walking tour companies
Day tours
Full-day Mesa Verde National Park tours from $80-120 from Durango including transport and park entry
Private tours
Private historical guides available from $150/half day in Denver, Colorado Springs, and the San Juan Mountains region