Post by Doris McCraw
writing as Angela Raines
Did you know that August 1 is Colorado Day? On this date in 1876, Ulysses S. Grant signed the paperwork to make Colorado the thirty-eighth state to join the Union.
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| North Central Colorado |
The journey to statehood was not a smooth one. Initially, what we know of as Colorado was claimed by various countries, and that does not include the native people who already lived here.
Spanish explorers visited the area in the 1500s and claimed the southern part of the state for Spain. The Spanish gave up their claim with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hildago that had ended the Spanish American War.
France had claimed the Eastern portion of the state which was part of the 1803 Louisana Purchase. Of course, the Spanish disputed that claim. It was allegedly part of the reason for Zebulon Pike's expedition in 1806.
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| A view of those High Mountains Photo Property of the author |
In 1850 Colorado was part of the Utah Territory and New Mexico Territory. In 1854 Colorado also became part of the Nebraska Territory and the Kansas Territory. Then during the gold rush of 1859 Colorado continued being part of the Kansas Territory and the Jefferson Territory.
Colorado's first 'permanent' settlement was not until 1851 when residents of Taos, New Mexico Territory arrived in the San Luis Valley and founded the town of San Luis.
Now you may wonder why so late. Many thought the Rocky Mountains in Colorado were unpassable because they were so high. Additionally, there were fur trading 'forts' in the 1820s and 30s but these were businesses and few had more than a few families in the fort or nearby.
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| Replica of Fort Vasquez - one of the Fur Trading Forts photo property of the author |
There are many other little-known facts about my adopted state that would make this post much too long. For those interested, I've included a link from the History Colorado site.
Additonal little known facts about Colorado
So, having celebrated Colorado Springs's 150th birthday on July 31, I'll be celebrating the state's 145th birthday on August 1. Can't pass up these kinds of 'history' parties.
Until next time, keep reading, writing, and enjoying history.
Colorado and Women's History
Post (c) Doris McCraw All Rights Reserved.
