The Office of the Governor of the State of Colorado

08/01/2026 | Press release | Archived content

Governor Polis and America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission Mark Colorado Day Across the State

DENVER - Today, Governor Polis and the America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission commemorate Colorado Day, marking 150 years since Colorado became the 38th state on August 1, 1876. Across all 64 counties, Coloradans are gathering to reflect on the state's history, honor the people and communities who have shaped Colorado, and recognize this once-in-a-generation milestone through local events, educational programs, outdoor experiences, and community gatherings.

Colorado's sesquicentennial coincides with America's 250th anniversary, creating a historic opportunity to recognize our shared past while looking ahead to the next chapter of Colorado's story. Throughout the day, museums, libraries, parks, schools, main streets, historic sites, mountain summits, and gathering places across the state are commemorating Colorado Day in ways that reflect the unique character of their communities.

Governor Polis began Colorado Day at History Colorado's Colorado Day Community Fest, one of nearly 100 events taking place across the state as part of the America 250 - Colorado 150 commemoration.

"Happy Birthday Colorado! It is my pleasure to join in the celebration and ring in our 150th Birthday. Thank you to History Colorado for hosting a fantastic event. I am still riding the Rocky Mountain High. For 150 years, Colorado has been a beacon of freedom, a welcoming home to individuals from all backgrounds, and full of vibrant, growing communities. In our Colorado for all, I am proud to call this state home and be out in the community to join my fellow Coloradans to celebrate," said Governor Polis.

"This day represents years of planning and partnership by communities across Colorado," shared Timothy Wolfe, America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission Co-Chair. "While today marks an important milestone, it is also an opportunity to reflect on our shared history, recognize those whose stories have shaped our state, and recommit ourselves to building a Colorado where every community sees itself in the next 150 years."

"Colorado's story cannot be told through one perspective alone," said America 250 - Colorado 150 Commissioner Gary Jackson. "As we commemorate 150 years of statehood, we honor the many cultures, Tribal Nations, diverse communities, and individuals whose contributions have shaped Colorado. Today is an invitation for every Coloradan to see themselves as part of our shared history and our shared future."

The America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission invites all Coloradans to commemorate this historic milestone by participating in Colorado Day activities and continuing the journey throughout the year. Discover events, Signature Initiatives, and ways to get involved at Am250CO150.org.

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The Office of the Governor of the State of Colorado published this content on August 01, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 03, 2026 at 16:45 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]