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 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.
