Governor Polis Celebrates Colorado’s Sesquicentennial at Colorado Department of Corrections Time Capsule Unveiling

CAÑON CITY, Colo. - Today, Governor Polis and the Colorado Department of Corrections celebrated Colorado's 150th Birthday by opening a 155-year-old safe at the Museum of Colorado Prisons. Colorado is celebrating 150 years of strong correctional facilities and the transformative focus on rehabilitation and staff and community well-being. Governor Polis and the Colorado Department of Corrections also sealed items celebrating Colorado's 150th anniversary in a new time capsule at the event.

"Today we opened a sealed 155-year-old safe, unearthing history older than our state, and we sealed items celebrating Colorado's 150th anniversary in a new time capsule, honoring our past and celebrating our progress. This year, there is history to celebrate everywhere you turn, and many Coloradans may not know that the Colorado Prison System predates Colorado's statehood. Public safety has been a priority since the beginning, ensuring our communities and all Coloradans are safe in our Colorado for all. Thank you to the dedicated CDOC staff for your public service and commitment to public safety," said Governor Polis.

"Unveiling this history on Colorado's 150th birthday allows us to honor our department's deep roots while looking toward the future," said Executive Director Andre Stancil. "Public safety has evolved tremendously since CDOC's founding, and our modern workforce continues to innovate every day. By sealing our own time capsule, we are leaving a message of hope, professionalism, and dedication for the future generations who will continue this vital work."

Colorado's state prison system originated in 1868 when the territorial legislature authorized the Colorado Territorial Penitentiary in Cañon City. The facility opened in 1871 and transitioned into the state's prison system when Colorado achieved statehood in 1876.

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