| Colorado was originally part of the Nebraska, Utah, Kansas, and New
Mexico Territories. The discovery of gold in 1858 began much of the
westward migration to the state. In 1859 a provisional territorial
government was formed, called the Territory of Jefferson. Congress
created the Territory of Colorado in 1861. Fifteen years later, on
August 1, 1876, President Ulysses S. Grant issued the proclamation of
statehood. Colorado was the 38th state to join the Union and it became
known as the "Centennial State." Colorado is bounded on the
east by the states of Kansas and Nebraska, on the north by Nebraska and
Wyoming, on the west by Utah and on the south by New Mexico and
Oklahoma.
Origin of Colorado: Spanish for "Colored Red"
Total Geographic area: 104,247 square miles (8th largest state),387
miles long, 276 miles wide.
Highest elevation: Mt. Elbert, 14,433 ft. above sea level, 54
mountain peaks over 14,000 ft.
Flower-White and lavender Columbine
Population in 2000- 4,301,261 |
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