Colorado Fun Facts & Trivia
Colorado, a state synonymous with majestic mountains, vibrant cities, and a rich history, offers a treasure trove of fascinating facts and intriguing trivia. From headless chickens to the highest suspension bridge, the Centennial State holds secrets and surprises that captivate both residents and visitors alike. Let’s delve into some of the most compelling aspects of this diverse and dynamic region.
A Centennial Celebration and Beyond
The nickname "The Centennial State" is no accident. Colorado officially joined the Union on August 1, 1876, coinciding with the United States’ centennial celebration. President Ulysses S. Grant’s proclamation marked a significant moment in American history, adding the 38th star to the flag and forever linking Colorado with the spirit of the nation’s 100th birthday. However, the story doesn’t begin there. Seventeen different flags have flown over this territory, reflecting its complex history of exploration, settlement, and sovereignty.
Quirky Tales and Unbelievable Stories
Colorado’s charm extends far beyond its scenic beauty. The town of Fruita, for instance, embraces an unusual piece of its heritage with the annual Mike the Headless Chicken Festival. The festival commemorates the bizarre story of Mike, a chicken who remarkably survived for 18 months after a farmer’s ill-fated attempt to prepare him for dinner in the 1940s. Farmer Lloyd Olsen aimed to leave as much of the neck as possible but inadvertently left enough of the brain stem intact for Mike to continue functioning. The bird became a national sensation, appearing in Life magazine and traveling the country as a sideshow attraction.
The history of Colorado has some funny quirks. For instance, Until 1872, Denver hotel guests were at risk of getting their "heads blown off" until the first hotel with locks on the doors opened. Also, Colorado is the only state ever to turn down the Olympics, with residents voting against hosting the 1976 Winter Olympics due to concerns about cost, pollution, and overpopulation.
Mining Marvels and Ghostly Echoes
The allure of precious metals has profoundly shaped Colorado’s identity. The Smuggler II Mine near Aspen yielded the world’s largest silver nugget in 1894, a massive specimen weighing over a ton. The state is also home to one of the few working diamond mines in the United States, located near the Wyoming border.
The boom-and-bust cycles of mining have left an indelible mark on the landscape, creating a vast network of ghost towns. With nearly as many abandoned settlements (around 500) as live ones (approximately 650), Colorado is a haven for those fascinated by the echoes of the past. Towns like St. Elmo and Nevadaville, once bustling hubs of activity, now stand as silent reminders of fortunes won and lost. Notably, in 1863, the Pat Casey mine in Nevadaville became the first Colorado corporation to have its stock shares quoted on Wall Street, showcasing the early influence of the state’s mining industry on national finance.
Engineering Feats and Records Broken
Colorado boasts impressive engineering accomplishments that reflect its unique geography and ambitious spirit. Interstate 70’s Eisenhower Tunnel stands as the world’s highest auto tunnel, reaching an elevation of 11,158 feet. The Royal Gorge Bridge, near Canon City, is the highest suspension bridge in the world, soaring 1,053 feet above the Arkansas River.
In the late 19th century, Leadville constructed the most prominent ice building in North America in 1895, an Ice Palace. It covered more than 3 acres, with towers as high as 90 feet. Shaped like a medieval castle, it had two ballrooms and a 16,000-square-foot skating rink. The Leadville Ice Palace opened January 1, 1896, but was forced to close two months later because of unseasonably warm weather.
The Pike’s Peak Cog Railway, reaching a staggering 14,110 feet, holds the distinction of being the highest railroad in the United States. The 6.2-mile-long Moffat Tunnel, burrowing beneath the Continental Divide, ranks as the fourth-longest railroad tunnel globally. For motorists seeking breathtaking vistas, the Road to Mt. Evans, accessible from I-70 near Idaho Springs, ascends to the highest paved road in North America, peaking at 14,258 feet above sea level.
Historical Highlights and Cultural Curiosities
Colorado’s past is filled with intriguing anecdotes and colorful characters. President Theodore Roosevelt, a frequent visitor, left his mark on hotels throughout the state, including Denver’s Oxford Hotel and the Brown Palace. Legend has it that the "Teddy Bear" was invented during his stay at the Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs, crafted by hotel maids to cheer him up after an unsuccessful grizzly hunt.
In 1893, Colorado became the second state to grant women the right to vote, a progressive step possibly influenced by satirical remarks in local newspapers advocating for women’s suffrage due to their perceived susceptibility to smaller bribes.
The state also witnessed an extraordinary feat of railroad construction when Kansas Pacific Railroad crews laid ten miles of rail in a single day on August 15, 1870, setting a record for track laying.
Haunting Tales and Unexplained Phenomena
Beyond its documented history, Colorado is shrouded in mystery and folklore. The ghost of Madge Reynolds is said to haunt the Reynolds Cottage in Denver, a tragic figure who succumbed to heartbreak after a forbidden proposal. Dead Man’s Canyon, near Colorado Springs, is rumored to be haunted by the phantom of William Harkins, murdered in 1863 and forever seeking vengeance.
The cemetery in Silver Cliff is known for its mysterious "dancing blue spirits," ethereal lights that hover above the graves and defy scientific explanation. The San Luis Valley is renowned for its high concentration of UFO sightings, crop circles, and other unexplained phenomena.
Natural Wonders and Geographical Oddities
Colorado’s landscape is as diverse as its history. The state boasts 75% of the land area in the U.S. with an altitude exceeding 10,000 feet, making it the highest state in the nation, with an average altitude of 6,800 feet. Pikes Peak, standing at 14,109 feet, is the easternmost "fourteener" (mountain exceeding 14,000 feet) in the United States and features the largest elevation gain of any peak in Colorado.
White River National Forest holds the distinction of being the first U.S. forest preserve, established in 1891. Marble, Colorado, provided the stone for the Lincoln Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery. The state averages 300 days of sunshine annually.
The first dinosaur fossil discovered in Colorado was the skeleton of a Diplodocus, which was found on the ridge of the Hogback near Morrison in 1877. At the time of its discovery, it was the largest dinosaur skeleton known, measuring about 70 feet long.
Modern Marvels and Contemporary Culture
Colorado’s contemporary culture is as vibrant and innovative as its past. Denver families are among the most likely in the U.S. to own three or more cars. The state leads in silver production and has more microbreweries per capita than any other state. The San Luis Alligator Farm is the highest-altitude alligator colony in the world.
Colfax Avenue in Denver stretches for 40 miles, making it the longest continuous street in America. Denver averages only 15 inches of annual precipitation.
Wild West Legacy and Outlaw Tales
Colorado’s connection to the Wild West is deeply ingrained in its identity. Butch Cassidy committed his first bank robbery in Telluride in 1889. Jesse James’s killer, Bob Ford, met his own demise in Creede. Buffalo Bill Cody, renowned for his buffalo hunting prowess, earned his nickname while supplying meat to railroad workers in Colorado.
From Cheeseburgers to Carousels
Louis Ballast, owner of the Humpty Dumpty Barrel Drive-In in Denver, is credited with patenting the name "Cheeseburger" in 1935. Burlington’s Kit Carson Carousel, dating back to around 1905, is the world’s oldest wooden merry-go-round.
These fascinating facts and stories offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Colorado, a state that seamlessly blends its rugged past with a progressive present. From its breathtaking landscapes to its quirky traditions, Colorado continues to captivate and inspire, solidifying its place as a truly unique and unforgettable destination.