How Colorado Became a State

Colorado is a beautiful state located in the western United States, known for its majestic mountains and stunning landscapes. It is a state with a rich history, and its journey to becoming a state is an interesting one. In this article, we will explore how Colorado became a state, and the reasons why it was admitted to the Union. We will look at the events that led to Colorado's statehood, and the people who helped make it happen. We will also examine the impact of Colorado's statehood on the nation as a whole. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the history of Colorado and why it became a state.

Pre-Statehood History

Early Inhabitants of Colorado

The first inhabitants of what is now Colorado were Native American tribes, including the Ute, Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Comanche. These tribes had lived in the area for centuries prior to the arrival of Europeans. They were nomadic, following the buffalo herds and living off the land. They had a deep spiritual connection to the land, and many of their stories and beliefs are still part of the culture of Colorado today.

The Ute tribe was the most dominant in the area, and they had a vast territory that included much of what is now Colorado. They lived in small bands, with each band led by a chief. They were skilled hunters, and their diet was largely based on buffalo, deer, and other game. They also gathered wild plants for food and medicine.

Exploration of Colorado by Europeans

The first Europeans to explore Colorado were Spanish explorers, led by Francisco Vasquez de Coronado in 1540. He was searching for the fabled Seven Cities of Gold, but instead found the Ute tribe. He and his men were the first Europeans to make contact with the Native Americans of Colorado.

In the late 1700s, French fur trappers began to explore the area, trading with the Native Americans and trapping beaver and other animals for their fur. They were followed by American trappers and traders, who were looking to make money off the fur trade.

In the early 1800s, American explorers began to map the area, and the first settlements were established. These were mostly trading posts, where trappers and traders could buy and sell goods. The first permanent settlement was established in 1858, when gold was discovered in the Rocky Mountains. This sparked a gold rush, and thousands of people began to move to Colorado in search of wealth.

Colorado Territory

Creation of the Colorado Territory

In 1861, the United States Congress passed the Colorado Organic Act, which created the Colorado Territory. This act was signed by President Abraham Lincoln and allowed for the creation of the Colorado Territory. The Colorado Organic Act stated that the Colorado Territory would include all of the land that is now the states of Colorado, Wyoming, and parts of Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Utah. This act also established the territorial government and allowed for the creation of the Colorado General Assembly, which was responsible for making laws for the territory.

Expansion of the Colorado Territory

In 1864, the Colorado Territory was expanded to include the land that is now the states of Montana and North Dakota. This expansion was made possible by the Treaty of Fort Laramie, which was signed between the United States and the Sioux Nation. This treaty allowed for the expansion of the Colorado Territory and opened up the land for settlement by European-Americans. The expansion of the Colorado Territory also allowed for the establishment of new towns and cities, which helped to spur economic growth in the region.

In 1868, the Colorado Territory was further expanded to include the land that is now the states of Arizona and New Mexico. This expansion was made possible by the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which was signed between the United States and Mexico. This treaty allowed for the expansion of the Colorado Territory and opened up the land for settlement by European-Americans. The expansion of the Colorado Territory also allowed for the establishment of new towns and cities, which helped to spur economic growth in the region.

In 1876, the Colorado Territory was finally admitted to the Union as the 38th state. This admission was made possible by the Colorado Constitution, which was ratified by the people of the Colorado Territory. The Colorado Constitution established the state government and allowed for the creation of the Colorado General Assembly, which was responsible for making laws for the state. The admission of Colorado as a state also allowed for the establishment of new towns and cities, which helped to spur economic growth in the region.

Colorado Statehood

The Colorado Constitution

The Colorado Constitution was drafted in 1876 and was based on the United States Constitution. It was written by a convention of delegates who were elected by the citizens of the territory. The Constitution was ratified by the people of Colorado on July 1, 1876, and was the first step in the process of becoming a state. It outlined the structure of the state government, including the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. It also established the rights and responsibilities of the citizens of Colorado.

Ratification of the Colorado Constitution

The Colorado Constitution was then sent to the United States Congress for approval. On August 1, 1876, Congress approved the Constitution and the State of Colorado was officially established. The citizens of Colorado voted to ratify the Constitution on November 7, 1876, and it was officially adopted on November 15, 1876. This was the first time in history that a state was created through a popular vote.

Colorado's admission to the Union

After the Constitution was ratified, the next step was for Colorado to be admitted to the Union. On August 1, 1876, President Ulysses S. Grant signed a proclamation admitting Colorado to the Union as the 38th state. The proclamation was then sent to the Secretary of State, who officially proclaimed Colorado as a state on August 9, 1876. This marked the official beginning of the State of Colorado.

The admission of Colorado to the Union was a momentous occasion for the citizens of the state. It was a sign of progress and a symbol of hope for the future. Colorado was now officially a part of the United States and its citizens were now able to enjoy the rights and privileges of being a part of the Union.