Colorado

Mesa-Verde---Cliff-Palace-in 1891 - edit1

Great Kiva at Chimney Rock Colorado

Mexican Cession in Mexican View

Anasazi Heritage Center

1860 Colorado Territory map

Colorado is a state located in the Mountain West subregion of the Western United States. It is the 8th largest geographically and the 21st most populous of the 50 United States. The U.S. state of Colorado is named after the Colorado River, which Spanish explorers named the Río Colorado for the ruddy silt the river carried from the mountains. The state was admitted to the Union on August 1, 1876, becoming the 38th state. Its capital and most populous city is Denver.

Geography

Colorado is notable for its diverse geography, which includes alpine mountains, high plains, deserts with huge sand dunes, and deep canyons. The state's eastern part is part of the High Plains of the Great Plains, while the western part is mostly within the Rocky Mountains. The Continental Divide runs north-south through the center of the state. To the west of the divide, the state encompasses a portion of the Rocky Mountain National Park and the Colorado Plateau, while the eastern section includes the edge of the Great Plains. Colorado is also home to the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains, Mount Elbert, which stands at 14,440 feet above sea level.

History

Before European exploration, the region was inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Apache, the Ute, the Arapaho, and the Cheyenne. The Spanish Empire claimed the territory in the 16th century as part of its New Mexico province, though the area was sparsely settled. The United States acquired the eastern part of present-day Colorado with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, while the western part was ceded by Mexico in 1848 following the Mexican-American War. The discovery of gold in 1858 led to the Pike's Peak Gold Rush, drawing thousands of settlers and leading to the creation of the Colorado Territory in 1861. Colorado became a state on August 1, 1876.

Economy

Colorado's economy is diverse, with major sectors including aerospace, agriculture, mining, and tourism. The state is a leader in the production of renewable energy and has a strong technology sector in and around cities such as Boulder and Fort Collins. The state's agricultural outputs include cattle, wheat, dairy products, corn, and hay.

Demographics

As of the latest census, Colorado has a population of over 5 million people. The state has seen rapid population growth in the last few decades, driven by its strong economy, quality of life, and outdoor recreational opportunities. The population is diverse, with a significant Hispanic community and a growing number of residents moving from other states.

Culture

Colorado is known for its outdoor lifestyle, with numerous opportunities for hiking, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and fishing. The state is also famous for its craft beer industry, with more microbreweries per capita than any other state. Colorado's cultural institutions include the Denver Art Museum, the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, and the annual Denver Film Festival.

Government and Politics

Colorado is a swing state in U.S. presidential elections, with a mix of urban liberal and rural conservative populations. The state government is divided into three branches: the executive branch led by the Governor of Colorado, the legislative branch consisting of the Colorado General Assembly, and the judicial branch, which includes the Colorado Supreme Court. Colorado has been at the forefront of several progressive policies, including the legalization of cannabis for recreational use.

Education

The state is home to several higher education institutions, including the University of Colorado system, Colorado State University, and the United States Air Force Academy. Colorado places a strong emphasis on education, with a highly educated workforce and high school graduation rates above the national average.

See Also

• List of counties in Colorado
• List of rivers of Colorado
• History of Colorado
• Geography of Colorado