Soon after gold was discovered near Denver, the region around Pikes Peak became the Colorado Territory. Other names, such as Colona, Jefferson, Osage and even Idaho, were suggested and discarded in favor of Colorado, Spanish for "red" in reference to the color of the water of the Colorado River.

"Passing through your wonderful mountains and canyons I realize that this state is going to be more and more the playground for the whole republic... You will see this the real Switzerland of America."

Colorado is the highest state and has more mountains reaching 14,000 feet than any other state. "Grand Mesa", the world's largest flat-top plateau is also found in Colorado. Her mountain scenery is some of the most beautiful and dramatic in the United States and Colorado is a center for vacationers taking advantage of the pleasant summer climate and the ample supplies of powdered snow in the winter.

The Rocky Mountain State leader in manufacturing, Colorado is also a major agricultural and mining state. It's gold and silver mining boom days are well known. Mrs. J. Brown, socialite wife of a Colorado mining tycoon was immortalized in the Broadway Musical, "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" so called after she survived the sinking of the ocean liner "Titanic". Her home in Denver has been maintained as a museum.

People who live in or come from Colorado are referred to as Coloradans. In days gone by, Coloradans were given nicknames that aligned with certain characteristics of the people of the times. One might have heard Coloradans called Silverines, a reference to the great silver mines and wealth in the state, or Rovers, characterizing the settlers that arrived in the state during the gold rushes when "Pikes Peak or Bust" became a common slogan. Coloradans have also been referred to as Centennials after the state's most common nickname.