Getting your player ready...
DENVER—Happy birthday, Colorado!
The state marked 150 years since it became a territory on Monday, and Colorado lawmakers passed a resolution marking the sesquicentennial.
President James Buchanan approved the creation of the Colorado territory on Feb. 28, 1861, after a gold rush around Pikes Peak drove settlers to the area. Colorado was named for the Colorado River and was carved from land in the territories of Utah, Kansas, Nebraska and New Mexico.
Colorado achieved statehood in 1876, a century after the U.S. gained independence. That gives Colorado its nickname “Centennial State.” It was the 38th state admitted to the union.
