Cities In Colorado - Quick Facts, History & Geography
Quick Facts About Colorado
On August 1, 1876 Colorado became the 38th state of the United States and has continued to thrive ever since. The state nickname of Colorado is "The Centennial State", because it became a state in the same year that the United States was celebrating its 100th year since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. With 104,093 square miles, Colorado is the 8th largest state by land size. Surprisingly, there is only 0.43% water area in Colorado. The capital of Colorado is Denver and the largest city in Colorado is also Denver with a population of 715,878 people. There are a total of 273 cities and towns in Colorado. Colorado is the 8th largest state by land area and the 21st largest state by population with almost 6 million residents. The Royal Gorge Bridge is the highest suspension bridge in the United States at 1,053 feet tall. The largest flat top mountain in the world in Grand Mesa, located in western Colorado it has an area of about 500 miles. Colorado has more than 400 breweries and growing fast. The first rodeo ever was held in Colorado. The entire state is above an elevation of 3,000 feet. Famous people born in Colorado include Jon Heder, Kristin Davis, Trey Parker, Amy Adams and Kristin Cavallari.
The Captivating History of Colorado
The history of Colorado beings with early indigenous roots and Native American tribes such as the Arapaho, Cheyenne, Ute and Comanche. These tribes utilized the plethora of natural resouces in the area and adapted to the mountainous terrain. European exploration started in the 16th century, with Spanish explorers looking for new trade routes. In the 18th and 19th centuries, fur traders were prominent and the area exploded with a wave of Europeans. The 19th century brought the Pike's Peak Gold Rush of 1859 as fortune-seekers known as "fifty-niners" settled in the area, all trying to strike it rich! After statehood in 1876, Colorado continued to thrive, while playing a significant role in the creation of the western frontier and a supply hub for miners, explorers and cattle ranchers. Throughout the 20th century, the economy diversified beyond just mining and gold. New industries like agriculture, manufacturing and technology started to boom. Today, Colorado is a economoic leader, yet still known for it's laid-back lifestyle and natural beauty.
The Wonderful Geography of Colorado
The geography of Colorado is defined by the incredible landscape that showcases the states natural beauties. From snow-capped mountain ranges to the expansive plains, Colorado offers a stunning array of geographical wonders. Colorado is bordered by these states: Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico. Colorado is well-known for its Rocky Mountains, which cover the state and are home to some of the highest peaks in the country. These mountains offer incredible opportunities for thrill seekers and casual adventurers as they provide everything from skiing to hiking. The eastern plains of Colorado slope gradually downward from the foothills of the Rockies. This region is filled with grasslands, ranches and rich agriculture. You will also find numerous lakes and rivers in Colorado including the Colorado River, Rio Grande River and the Arkansas River. These bodies of water provide opportunities for fishing, rafting and loads of other activities. The state's beautiful geography will never leave you wanting more.
Colorado Relocation Guide
If you look at a map of Colorado cities, you'll notice four large national parks, making up 37% of the state's total area. It's no wonder that Colorado cities are a popular travel and relocation destination. With the Rockies going right down the middle of the state, Colorado offers its residents incredible scenes with mountain vistas, pristine lakes, rushing rivers, and plains inhabited by bison. Colorado is the highest state in the Union; all of the land in Colorado is over 3,000 feet in elevation. As a result, one of the most popular attractions in Colorado cities are the numerous ski areas. The Colorado Rockies are covered in snow year round, and so, summers offer at least some slushy skiing at a few of the resorts in Colorado.
Also as a result of the mountains, cities in Colorado are often hit with extreme weather. Severe thunderstorms happen frequently, and along with the storms comes more hail and lightning than in other parts of the nation. The eastern plains produce some of the deadliest tornadoes in the United States. The state's economy, however, is very good, and is also very diversified. If you look at a map of Colorado cities, you'll notice that Denver and surrounding cities are located in the financial center, and the state also has a high concentration of jobs in scientific research and technology. Other industries in Colorado include tourism, mining and food processing.
For the most part, most cities in Colorado are safe. The overall crime rate is close to the National average, but some cities fall far above or below the average so do some research before committing. The cost of living in Colorado is slightly above average, with housing being the most expensive expenditure.
