Colorado - The Centennial State

Colorado

Colorado

Welcome to Colorado

Colorado, often called the “Centennial State,” joined the Union in 1876, exactly one hundred years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Known for its dramatic Rocky Mountain landscapes, Colorado offers towering peaks, alpine lakes, and vast plains. Its geography is one of the most diverse in the country, ranging from snow-capped summits to desert canyons. This variety makes Colorado a destination for outdoor adventure, from skiing and snowboarding in the winter to hiking, rafting, and camping in the summer months.

History and Culture

Before becoming a state, Colorado was home to many Native American tribes, including the Ute, Arapaho, and Cheyenne peoples. Later, Spanish explorers, fur traders, and prospectors seeking gold shaped its history. The discovery of valuable minerals in the mid-1800s brought a wave of settlers during the Colorado Gold Rush. Today, Colorado blends its frontier heritage with a modern culture that values innovation, the arts, and community traditions. Its capital, Denver, is a hub of music, sports, and thriving neighborhoods.

Modern Colorado

Colorado is known for its strong connection to nature and sustainability. National parks, such as Rocky Mountain National Park and Mesa Verde, protect its natural wonders and ancient history. Visitors and residents alike enjoy a healthy lifestyle that embraces the outdoors, making Colorado a unique and inspiring state to explore.

Colorado Symbols

Fast Facts and Interesting Facts
Fact Detail Interesting Facts
Region Western United States, Mountain Region
  1. Colorado was the 38th state, admitted in 1876, exactly 100 years after the Declaration of Independence—earning it the nickname "The Centennial State."
  2. The state has the highest average elevation of any U.S. state, with over 50 mountain peaks taller than 14,000 feet, known as “fourteeners.”
  3. Denver, the capital, is called the "Mile High City" because its elevation is exactly one mile (5,280 feet) above sea level.
  4. Colorado is the only state in the U.S. where the borders touch four other states at one point (Four Corners: Colorado, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico).
  5. It is home to the world’s largest flat-top mountain, the Grand Mesa.
  6. Rocky Mountain National Park attracts millions of visitors each year for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
  7. The Denver Mint produces more coins than any other mint in the world.
  8. Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a natural rock formation that serves as an outdoor concert venue with world-famous acoustics.
  9. The state was the first to legalize recreational marijuana in 2012.
  10. Colorado has over 300 days of sunshine each year, making it one of the sunniest states in the U.S.
Population ~5.9 million (2025 est.)
Area 104,094 sq mi (8th largest)
Statehood August 1, 1876 (38th state)
Capital City Denver
Largest City Denver
Abbreviation CO
Nickname "The Centennial State"
Geography Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, Colorado Plateau; highest average elevation of any U.S. state
Bordering States Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah
Economy Diverse: energy, mining, agriculture, aerospace, tourism, technology
State Tree Colorado Blue Spruce
State Bird Lark Bunting
 

Our Content
Colorado Interactive Map

Interactive and Printable Colorado Maps and Map Activities

This section features numerous interactive and printable Colorado maps. Students can even use our Maptivation program to make their own Colorado map.

Colorado History

History of Colorado

Colorado became a U.S. territory in 1861 after the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush drew settlers to the region. It was admitted as the 38th state in 1876, earning the nickname the "Centennial State" since it joined 100 years after the Declaration of Independence.
Zebulon Pike

Famous People from Colorado

Zebulon Pike, an explorer and soldier, is best known for his 1806 expedition that led to the naming of Pike’s Peak in Colorado. Kit Carson, a legendary frontiersman and scout, also played a major role in Colorado’s early history as a guide and pathfinder.
Comprehension

Colorado Literacy and Comprehension Exercises

This section offers a variety of literacy and reading comprehension activities, including engaging passages with question sets, cloze reading exercises, and lessons on text elements and structure. These resources are generally suitable for students in grades 4–8.
Colorado Symbols Coloring

Fun Colorado Printables and Coloring Activities

This section features fun and educational Colorado-themed coloring activities and printables, including state symbols, a state flag outline, a 'Welcome to Colorado' sign, and much more!
Collage America

Fun Colorado and United States Online Games

This section provides some really exciting online games such as Colorado or Not Colorado, Collage America, Ameriquake, Conquer the States, Draw America, and several more.