Colorado is a state in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States. The United States Census Bureau estimates that the state population was 4,753,377 in 2006, a 10.49% increase since 2000. Colorado is also considered to be a part of the Mountain, Southwestern, and Central regions of the United States. Denver is the capital and the most populous city of Colorado. Residents of Colorado are known as Coloradans.
The word "Colorado" was selected by Congress in 1861 as the name for the Colorado Territory that is today a state. The name has its origins in the Spanish language, where it is directly translated as "colored red." It is named after the Colorado River (Río Colorado), itself named after its reddish-brown color.
The territory that ultimately became Colorado was added to the United States by the 1803 Louisiana Purchase and the 1848 Mexican Cession.
In 1854, the Kansas Territory was organized, including what is now much of Colorado.
The Pike's Peak Gold Rush of 1859 brought many settlers to the Denver area. A convention was held to organize the provisional Jefferson Territory, but an official break from the Kansas Territory did not happen until 1861.
The Colorado Territory was organized as a United States territory on 28 February 1861, with President Buchanan signing an Act of Congress to that effect.
Colorado attained statehood on 1 August 1876, earning it the moniker the "Centennial State."
Colorado women were granted the right to vote starting on 7 November 1893.
Three different ships have been named USS Colorado in honor of this state.
Colorado is the only state to refuse the opportunity to host the Olympics.
