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And they’re having a high old time today as they celebrate One hundred and fifty years of Colorado.

Although it’s known by all as the Centennial State on account of it being this day in 1776 that Ulysses Grant granted them statehood.

Now like all Coloradophiles we have been following progress of the Sesquicentenary all year.

And particularly since we gathered in my Glasgow birthplace to toast our Mid-West pals.

Now because every day is a school day here are some killer Colorado factoids which make the 38th State special.

Colorado Rocks

Now there have been many Coloradan singers of note and tributes to the state’s beauty.

From Henry John Deutschendorf Jr’s (or John Denver to you and me) Rocky Mountain High.

To Ryan Tedder and OneRepublic’s Stop And Stare at the iconic Red Rocks.

But even more ubiquitous than either is America the Beautiful, inspired by Katharine Lee Bates’ visit to Pikes Peak in 1893.

The same year as Colorado became the first state to grant women the right to vote through a popular referendum.

Here for the beer

Coloradans, of course, will be celebrating with a beer from any one of the 420 craft breweries.

And we’re lucky enough to have an insider in University of Boulder beer archaeologist Travis (no, we’re not making that up).

Now you probably know Colorado as a high old state… and not just for its liberal drugs laws.

But it also has the highest mean altitude of all the states with Denver known as The Mile High City.

And Coloradans are fond, of course, of saying that you only have to drink half as much to get twice as drunk.

Springs in the air

The Great Outdoors: Out and about in Colorado

The Centennial State is also famous for its hot springs.

With the world’s largest natural hot springs pool in Glenwood Springs.

With the two-block long pool across from the historic Hotel Colorado, a favorite stop of former president Teddy Roosevelt.

The inimitable Teddy is, of course, not alone in embracing the charms of the Coloured Red (on account of the topography) state.

Here’s Bill & Johnny

And every visitor to Colorado naturally pays homage to Buffalo Bill at his tombstone.

Where you will be expected to throw a coin on to his stone in tribute.

But Colorado too is home to The Stanley Hotel, in Estes Park.

Where a host of celebrities and heads of state that have stayed at the luxurious 1909 hostelry.

And here’s Johnny, from Stephen King’s novel The Shining, the hotel inspiring the author.

Fair is fowl

Now if you’re of a strong constitution then maybe you’re looking for something a bit more head turning.

So head to Fruita, where the town folk celebrate Mike the Headless Chicken Day.

To commemorate farmer L.A. Olsen who cut off Mike’s head on September 10, 1945 for his dinner.

Only for Mike to live for another four years without a head.

So have a high old time today as you have all year.

And here’s to the next 150 years.

And as they turn 150 this year we spent a day, celebrating with old friends (and new) and were reminded how Birthday state Colorado always Springs a surprise.

Now having dipped my toe in Steamboat Springs’ Old Town Hot Springs where the Ute First Nation would soak in their reviving powers.

I was intrigued to learn more about the state’s other offerings.

There are ninety-three springs in all which means the interstate competition is fierce.

It is why Glenwood Springs have travelled the world and brought back their secrets.

All so that they can add to their local knowledge in their corner of their near square-shaped state.

Of course, looks can be deceptive and Colorado is not actually square but hexahectaenneacontakaiheptagonal, 697 sides.

What’s Up Doc?

Glenwood Springs lays claim to the world’s largest hot springs pool.

One of seven such, and a 107-room Lodge for clients to luxuriate in.

And a rich history which just keeps updating since our old friends the Ute and then it was opened in 1888.

With the locals referring to the source spring as ‘Yampah’ or ‘Big Medicine’.

And with 15 minerals in the water you’ll be washed clean of body, spirit and mind.

Now everybody who is anybody in these parts, and wider afield, have taken the Springs.

With ‘Doc’ Holliday, who was as known for his TB as his hot shot at the Gunfight at the OK Corral and card-playing visited Glenwood.

As a last vain bid to cure his ailment.

Although you’d hope that he had comfort in the waters.

And like all cowboys wanted, he died in his bed, and is buried in the Linwood Cemetery.

Bill and Teddy’s excellent adventures

Pay your Bill: Leave your donation at Bill’s grave

He is perhaps the greatest figure from Wild West folklore, and there have been many, Buffalo Bill Cody was a frequent visitor.

And he even dropped in five days before his death in Denver, although of course, he didn’t know that then.

Our old friend Teddy Roosevelt too championed Glenwood Springs.

And the Hotel Colorado which for a time became known as the ‘Little White House of the United States.’

It is even said that the Hotel Colorado was where the first Teddy Bear was born.

After the Prez returned to the Hotel Colorado from a hunting trip empty-handed.

And maids fashioned a cloth bear from scraps of material and presented it to his daughter who was with him.

And she named the bear Teddy.

Spring a surprise

Not that all visitors were as welcome with Al Capone and Ted Bundy making their own infamous imprints on Glenwood Springs.

You, though, and me, of course, will always be greeted warmly in Glenwood Springs and Colorado as a whole.

Though perhaps not the obnoxious Aussie who was part of our party and I chased around the Springs the last time out…

But that’s a different story.