Colorado 150 - It Became a Reality

Post (C) Doris McCraw

aka Angela Raines

Image (C) Doris McCraw

With July 4th fast approaching and the 250th anniversary of the United States, and with August 1st following shortly thereafter, we have the 150th anniversary of the State of Colorado. With these two dates in mind, and the journey I've been taking on Colorado becoming the 38th state, I thought I would see if there were any correlations between Franklin, Adams, and Jefferson, and the men who brought about Colorado's admittance to the Union.

John Evans 

These are personal observations. So, let's start with Benjamin Franklin. In looking at the life of Benjamin Franklin, his accomplishments, and his history with the declaration and what came before. Franklin was an inventor, scientist, printer, and businessman. Perhaps the closest person to  Franklin would be John Evans, the second territorial governor. Appointed by Abraham Lincoln, Evans is considered to have spearheaded the statehood movement. He was also involved in promoting the transcontinental railroad and the founding of the University of Denver.

Jerome Chaffee

Perhaps the closest to John Adams would be Jerome Chaffee. Before coming to Colorado in 1860, Chaffee had been a schoolteacher, was involved in banking and real estate, was one of the founders of Denver, and, perhaps most importantly, was the delegate from the Colorado Territory who ushered the bill creating the state of Colorado through the legislature. Once Colorado became a state, Chafee served in the U.S. Senate.

Thomas Patterson

Thomas Jefferson is a bit difficult, but perhaps the closest resemblance is Thomas Patterson. He was an immigrant who arrived in the United States, served in the Civil War, and became an attorney; in fact, he was the city attorney of Denver in 1873- 74. He served as a delegate in the House of Representatives until August 1st, 1876, when Colorado became a State. He later purchased the Rocky Mountain News and then the Denver Times.

These are really simple comparisons, but they gave me something to think about as we prepare for the sesquisemiquincentennial. I will continue posting about Colorado's journey to statehood and the events that delayed its admittance to the Union.

Stay tuned.

Until next time

Stay safe - Doris

Angela Raines - Amazon

Doris A. McCraw - Amazon

150-250

Post (C) by Doris McCraw

aka Angela Raines

Colorado Front Range
Image (C) Doris McCraw

2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 150th anniversary of Colorado becoming a state. 

For those who may not know, Ulysses S. Grant signed the paperwork granting statehood to Colorado. To say he was popular in this part of the West would not be taken amiss. 

Grant first visited the Colorado Territory in 1875. Although the residents of the Territory began the process in 1864, and a Constitutional Convention in 1865.

1862 Map of the Colorado Territory
from the Library of Congress

Grant made three visits to Colorado, with the final visit in 1880. That year, he traveled from New Mexico Territory, through Pueblo to Colorado Springs. From there, he headed to Salida, taking a four-horse stage over Monarch Pass and down into Gunnison. There he toured the Taylor Park district, where one of my favorite mining towns, Tin Cup, is located. He returned to Salida and took the Denver & Rio Grande to Leadville via the new spur that had just been completed. (Author Ann Parker wrote a novel, "Silver Lies," that includes Grant's trip to Leaville)

As August 1, 2026, closes in, I will be telling more stories about the Colorado Territory prior to statehood and maybe a few just after that August 1, 1876, date.

For those who enjoy little-known facts, here's a link you might enjoy: 11 Things on Colorado's Journey to Statehood.

Until next time

Doris

Angela Raines - Amazon

Doris A. McCraw - Amazon