1870: 40,000
1970: 2,207,000
1980: 2,880,000
1994: 3,655,647
2000: 4,301,261
Persons per square mile: 41.3 (2000)
Median age: 32.5 years (1990)
Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (the state participates in Daylight Savings
time from March through October)
Geography:
The most prominent geographic feature of the state is the Rocky Mountains, which run from north to south through the western portion of the state. There are more than 50 mountain peaks in Colorado with elevation over 14,000 feet above sea level and over 1,143 peaks above 10,000 feet. The Continental Divide bisects the state. The state is 387 miles from east to west and 276 miles from north to south. Rivers and streams east of the Divide flow into the Atlantic, those west of the Divide flow into the Pacific. The major rivers of Colorado are the Arkansas, North Platte, South Platte, Rio Grande, and the Colorado. Mountainous areas are about 2/5ths of the state. The Great Plains from the mountains to the eastern boundaries comprise about 2/5ths of the state territory. The remaining 1/5th is a western plateau area with valleys and canyons.
Highest Point: 14,433 feet above sea level at Mount Elbert
Lowest Point: 3,350 feet above sea level at the Arkansas River
Average State Elevation: 6,800 feet above sea level
Longitude: 102° W to 109° W
Latitude: 37° N to 41° N
Geographic center of Colorado: 30 miles NW of Pike's Peak
Length: 380 miles
Width: 280 miles
Land Area: 103,730 square miles
Water Area: 371 square miles
Total Area: 104,100 square miles
Colorado is bordered on the south by New Mexico and Oklahoma, on the west by Utah and on the east by Nebraska and Kansas. Wyoming and Nebraska are along the northern border. The well-known four corners area is in the southwest corner, with Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah all touching at the corner.
Climate:
Colorado's general climate is semi-arid and mild with wide variations across the state. In the eastern plains area, summer temperatures will be high while areas in the west will be quite comfortable during the summer season. Precipitation also varies greatly from seven inches up to 25 inches a year. The state average precipitation is 16.5 inches per year.
History:
The Anasazi Indians lived here hundreds of years ago, carving their homes out of cliffs. You can still see the remains of their residences in southwestern Colorado. Evolving into the Arapaho, Cheyenne and Ute Nations, these groups lived and hunted the plains area for years before the "white man" arrived.
First came the Spanish conquistadores in the 1600's, who claimed the land for gold. But they named the area Colorado which means "color red." This Spanish influence is seen today all over the state with Spanish names and traditions. In 1803, the Colorado area was contained within the Louisiana Purchase. At this time, the area began to be explored by Zebulon Pike. It was for this man that "Pikes Peak" was name. He tried, unsuccessfully, to climb to the top. Most of the prominent American explorers of the day - Jim Bridger, Kit Carson, John Fremont and Stephen Long - came to the region to check it out.
When gold was discovered in 1858 near Denver, the area fairly exploded with newcomers. Towns sprang up overnight and many emptied just as suddenly. You'll recognize some of the names as Cripple Creek, Leadville, Colorado City and more. Many of these old "gold towns" have restored their main streets and mines to cater to the tourists and show what life was like in a gold-boom town. Silver was also found in the same area with the same results. All of these riches helped to build up the state's economy.
Statehood came to Colorado on 1 Aug 1876. It was named the "Centennial State" because it was 100 years after the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence that Colorado was named a state. The name was chosen over several other suggestions, including Colona, Jefferson, Osage and Idaho. The name refers to the color of the water of the Colorado River.
During the early 1900's, winter sports began to form in Colorado. Carl Howelson, a Norwegian skier, came in 1913 to the area of Steamboat Springs and introduced Ski jumping. Other resorts followed including the well-known names of Breckenridge, Aspen, Telluride and Vail.
With World War II came government facilities such as the U.S. Air Force Academy, Fort Carson, and more. All of these helped the state to grow and prosper even more.
Nicknames:
Colorado is called the Centennial State because it became a state in 1876 – 100 years after the Declaration of Independence. Another nickname, the Silver State, was due to the large amounts of silver mined here. Another nickname, the Lead State, also came from ore, this time from the quantities of lead mined.
At one time, many herds of bison or buffalo roamed the area leading some to coin the nickname, the Buffalo Plains State. Because of the great beauty and majesty of the mountain areas of Colorado, some nicknamed it the Switzerland of America. The lofty mountains also led to another nickname, the Highest State, referring to the highest average elevation in the country and also to the many high peaks in the state.
Attractions:
Though Colorado is well known for its winter recreation, there is much more to recreation and attractions in the state. There are eleven national forests in Colorado. Many good fishing streams, lakes, resorts and spas may be found here. Rafting is a popular summer activity with trips available on nearly every major Colorado river. You can find relaxing and calm floating trips and also heart-wrenching white-water excursions. Many rafting companies are found here to guide you in your trips.
Colorado Tourism Board
1625 Broadway, Suite 1700
Denver, Co 80202
Phone: 303-592-5510
Toll-free: 800-433-2656
For Skiing Information:
Colorado Ski Country
1580 B raodway, Suite 1440
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 303-837-0793
For Outdoor Recreation Info:
Colorado Parks and Outdoor Recreation
1313 Sherman St., Rm 618
Denver, CO 80203
Phone: 303-866-3437
Education:
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523 USA
Phone: (970) 491-1101
University of Colorado at Boulder
Boulder, CO 80309
Colorado Department of Education
History:
Here is a history page for Colorado Try this history page for students
historical information for Colorado
More historical information for the state
Information:
Current population information for Colorado
Road reports and more from the Colorado Dept. of Transportation
Government Links
page for Colorado
Great links page for all levels of government in Colorado
Attractions:
Southwest Colorado Travel
1-800-933-4340
Take a picture tour of the Colorado State Capitol
Things to do and Places to see in Colorado
See a lot in Colorado - towering mountain peaks, red rocks, golden plains, blue skies and much more. Call 800-COLORADO for a free visitors guide from Colorado Tourism – the official state tourism website
Learn about Colorado Dinosaurs
Dinosaur Ridge - located along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, near Morrison, Colorado and only 15 miles west of downtown Denver.
Dinosaur Journey – Fruita, Colorado
Zoos
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs
4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Phone(719)633-9925
Fax (719)633-2254
Denver Zoo
Email: zooinfo@denverzoo.org
Phone: 303-376-4800
2300 Steele Street
Denver, CO 80205
PuebloZoo
25 acres in Pueblo City Park and established in the 1920's. Over 300 animals
in 110 species.
Phone 719-561-9664
Directions: From Interstate 25, take US 50 West to Pueblo Boulevard; south on
Pueblo Blvd. to Goodnight Ave. Turn left into City Park and go through the park
to the Pueblo Zoo Entrance.
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This page was created 19 September 1998
This page was last updated on 16 September 2006 at 12:16 pm
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