History of Colorado in Timeline
Colorado, a landlocked state in the US Mountain West, is renowned for its diverse landscape encompassing mountains, forests, high plains, and deserts. Bordering seven states and the Four Corners, it's the eighth largest state by area and the 21st most populous, with an estimated 5,877,610 residents in 2023. While primarily considered a Mountain State, its high plains also align with the Midwest, and its inclusion in the southwestern US is debated. Colorado features a significant portion of the Southern Rocky Mountains and extends to the Colorado Plateau and the Great Plains.
1901: Denver's Record Heatwave
Denver established a record for consecutive days with temperatures above 90°F (32°C) in 1901, highlighting the city's susceptibility to periods of intense heat.
1903: Western Federation of Miners Strike Begins
The Western Federation of Miners Strike commenced in 1903, fueled by poor labor conditions and discontent among miners. The strike led to clashes between workers and the Colorado National Guard.
1904: Western Federation of Miners Strike Ends
The Western Federation of Miners Strike, marked by violence and unrest, concluded in 1904.
1905: Holly Sugar Founded
Holly Sugar was first milled from beets in Holly, Colorado in 1905, and later moved its headquarters to Colorado Springs.
1906: Oscar Wilde's Impressions of America
In 1906, Oscar Wilde published his 'Impressions of America,' noting that Leadville, Colorado, was 'the richest city in the world' and had a rough reputation.
1908: Democratic National Convention
Colorado made history as the first western state to host a major political convention when the Democratic Party chose Denver as the location for their national gathering in 1908.
1910: Samsonite Luggage Founded
Samsonite luggage was founded in Denver, Colorado in 1910.
1910: Colorado and Utah Dominate Radium Mining
From 1910, Colorado and Utah led radium mining efforts, with uranium and vanadium as byproducts.
1911: Gates Belts and Hoses Founded
Gates belts and hoses were founded in Denver, Colorado in 1911.
1913: Coalfield War Begins
Colorado experienced the outbreak of the 1913-1914 Coalfield War, another instance of labor conflict involving miners and the state's National Guard, leading to federal troop intervention to quell the violence.
1914: Coalfield War Ends
The 1913-1914 Coalfield War in Colorado, characterized by significant unrest and federal intervention, came to an end in 1914.
1920: CoorsTek Industrial Ceramics Founded
CoorsTek industrial ceramics were founded in Golden, Colorado in 1920.
1920: Denver Streetcar Strike
The Denver streetcar strike erupted in 1920, escalating into violence and prompting the intervention of federal troops to restore order.
1921: Regis College renamed
In 1921, the Jesuit Sacred Heart College was renamed Regis College.
1922: End of Radium Mining Dominance
By 1922, Colorado's dominance in radium mining, which produced uranium and vanadium as byproducts, had ended.
1923: Russell Stover Candies Founded
Russell Stover Candies was founded in Denver, Colorado in 1923.
April 1, 1924: Regis College students patrol campus
On April 1, 1924, armed Regis College students patrolled the campus after a burning cross was found, amid tensions with the Ku Klux Klan.
1924: Ku Klux Klan's Rise to Power
The Ku Klux Klan's Colorado Realm reached the pinnacle of its political influence in Colorado in 1924, exerting control over local and state politics, particularly within the Democratic and Republican parties. The Klan's grip extended to the governor's office, city governments in Denver, Cañon City, and Durango, and even the Denver Police.
1927: Colorado Coal Strike and Columbine Mine Massacre
The 1927-28 Colorado coal strike took place, resulting in a tragic event known as the Columbine Mine massacre, where six striking miners lost their lives in a confrontation with Colorado Rangers. Despite the violence, the strike successfully secured a $1 per day wage increase.
1930: Population Surpasses One Million
The U.S. census in 1930 recorded Colorado's population exceeding one million residents for the first time.
1930: Monfort of Colorado, Inc. Founded
The present-day Swift packed meat of Greeley evolved from Monfort of Colorado, Inc., established in 1930.
November 8, 1932: Colorado repeals alcohol prohibition
On November 8, 1932, Colorado approved the repeal of alcohol prohibition more than a year before the Twenty-first Amendment was ratified.
1935: Renaming of Agricultural College of Colorado
In 1935, the Agricultural College of Colorado was renamed the Colorado State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts.
1940: U.S. Census Bureau Reports on Racial Demographics of Colorado
In 1940, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Colorado's population as 8.2% Hispanic and 90.3% non-Hispanic White.
1940: Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reservation established
In 1940, the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reservation was established, known in the Ute dialect as Wʉgama Núuchi.
1941: USS Colorado Enters World War II
The battleship USS Colorado, named after the state, entered World War II in 1941, actively serving in the Pacific theater.
1945: Last Wild Wolf Shot
Following a process of extirpation by trapping and poisoning that began in the 1930s, the last wild wolf in Colorado was shot in 1945.
1948: Democratic win in presidential election
In 1948, Colorado voted for the Democratic presidential candidate.
1949: Jolly Rancher Candy Founded
Jolly Rancher candy was founded in Golden, Colorado in 1949.
1950: Assessment by Service Academy Board
In 1950, the Service Academy Board assessed the need for a third school to provide commissioned officers for the newly independent Air Force.
1953: Sunday motor vehicle sales ban
In 1953, Colorado banned the sale of motor vehicles on Sunday via C.R.S. section 12-6-302.
April 1, 1954: Creation of U.S. Air Force Academy
On April 1, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower signed a law for the creation of a U.S. Air Force Academy.
1955: Establishment of Air Force Academy
In 1955, the U.S. Air Force Academy was established, initially operating out of Lowry Air Force Base in Denver.
September 11, 1957: Plutonium Fire at Rocky Flats Plant
A major industrial accident occurred on September 11, 1957, at the Rocky Flats Plant, where a plutonium fire erupted, resulting in significant plutonium contamination of the surrounding populated areas.
1957: Colorado State University renamed
In 1957, the Colorado State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts was renamed Colorado State University.
1957: University of Colorado Wins Orange Bowl
In 1957, the University of Colorado Buffaloes won the Orange Bowl.
1958: Last native-born governor elected before 2007
In 1958, the last native-born Colorado governor before Bill Ritter was elected.
1958: Estes Model Rockets Launched
Estes model rockets were launched in Penrose, Colorado in 1958.
1958: Opening of Colorado Springs facility
In 1958, the U.S. Air Force Academy's Colorado Springs facility was completed and opened, and cadets moved to the new campus.
1962: Waterpik Founded
Waterpik dental water jets and showerheads were founded in Fort Collins, Colorado in 1962.
1964: Democratic win in presidential election
In 1964, Colorado voted for the Democratic presidential candidate.
1965: Denver Flood
The city of Denver experienced a notable flood in 1965, demonstrating the risks posed by flooding events in the region.
1967: Colorado Relaxes Abortion Restrictions
Colorado became the first U.S. state to ease restrictions on abortion in 1967 when Governor John Love signed legislation permitting abortions in cases of rape, incest, or when the woman's mental or physical health was at risk. This move paved the way for other states to follow suit in loosening abortion laws during the 1960s and 1970s.
March 1969: National Chicano Youth Liberation Conference
The National Chicano Youth Liberation Conference was held in Colorado in March 1969, highlighting the state's role in the Chicano Movement, a significant civil rights and social movement advocating for Mexican American rights.
1969: Celestial Seasonings Founded
Celestial Seasonings herbal teas have been made in Boulder, Colorado since 1969.
May 12, 1970: Denver chosen to host 1976 Winter Olympics
On May 12, 1970, Denver was chosen by the International Olympic Committee as the host city for the 1976 Winter Olympics.
1972: Voters reject funding for 1976 Winter Olympics
In 1972, Colorado voters rejected a referendum proposal to fund the 1976 Winter Olympics.
1973: John Arthur Love's position in Nixon's administration
In 1973, John Arthur Love was given a position in Richard Nixon's administration, leading to John David Vanderhoof ascending from the Lieutenant Governorship.
1975: Governor John David Vanderhoof leaves office
In 1975, John David Vanderhoof, the last native-born governor before Bill Ritter, left office.
1976: Big Thompson River Flooding
The Big Thompson River experienced devastating flooding in 1976, highlighting the dangers of flash floods in Colorado, often triggered by heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt in mountainous areas.
1976: Scheduled Winter Olympics in Colorado
In 1976, the Winter Olympics were scheduled to be held in Colorado before being rejected by voters in 1972.
1981: Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Founded
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory made its first candy in Durango, Colorado in 1981.
1984: Last double-digit presidential win before 2020
In 1984, Colorado was last won by double digits in a presidential election before 2020.
February 1, 1985: Lowest Recorded Temperature
The lowest official air temperature ever recorded in Colorado, −61 °F (−51.7 °C), occurred on February 1, 1985, at Maybell.
1988: Acquisition of Rio Grande
In 1988, the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad was acquired and merged into the Southern Pacific Railroad by joint owner Philip Anschutz.
July 11, 1990: Severe Hailstorm in Denver
Denver experienced a significant hailstorm on July 11, 1990, showcasing the city's vulnerability to such severe weather events.
1990: Limon F3 Tornado
A powerful F3 tornado struck Limon, Colorado, in 1990, underscoring the state's vulnerability to tornadoes, particularly in the Eastern Plains region.
1991: Second Orange Bowl Win for Buffaloes
In 1991, the University of Colorado Buffaloes secured their second Orange Bowl victory.
1991: Regis University renamed
In 1991, Regis College was renamed Regis University.
1992: Approval of Amendment 2
In 1992, Colorado voters approved Amendment 2, which prevented recognizing homosexuals or bisexuals as a protected class.
1992: Democratic win in presidential election
In 1992, Colorado voted for the Democratic presidential candidate.
1993: Mountain Goats Declared Native Species
Despite being an artificially-introduced species, Colorado declared mountain goats a native species in 1993.
1995: Buffaloes Win Fiesta Bowl
In 1995, the University of Colorado Buffaloes won the Fiesta Bowl.
September 11, 1996: Sale to Union Pacific Railroad
On September 11, 1996, Philip Anschutz sold the combined company of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad and the Southern Pacific Railroad to Union Pacific Railroad, creating the largest railroad network in the United States.
1996: Romer v. Evans ruling
In 1996, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Romer v. Evans that preventing protected status based on homosexuality or bisexuality did not satisfy the Equal Protection Clause.
1996: Buffaloes Win Cotton Bowl Classic
In 1996, the University of Colorado Buffaloes emerged victorious in the Cotton Bowl Classic.
1999: Columbine High School Massacre
The world was shocked by the Columbine High School massacre in 1999, a horrific event that unfolded in Colorado. Two gunmen stormed the school, fatally shooting 12 students and one teacher before taking their own lives.
November 7, 2000: Passage of Amendment 20
On November 7, 2000, 54% of Colorado voters passed Amendment 20, amending the state constitution to allow the medical use of marijuana.
2000: Estimated Hispanic Population in Colorado
Per the 2000 census, the Hispanic population is estimated to be 918,899, or approximately 20% of the state's total population. Colorado has the 5th-largest population of Mexican-Americans, behind California, Texas, Arizona, and Illinois. In percentages, Colorado has the 6th-highest percentage of Mexican-Americans, behind New Mexico, California, Texas, Arizona, and Nevada.
2000: Medicinal Use of Marijuana Legalized
In 2000, Colorado legalized the medicinal use of marijuana.
2000: Largest Ancestry Groups
According to the 2000 census, the largest ancestry groups in Colorado were German (22%), Mexican (18%), Irish (12%), and English (12%).
2000: Census reveals native Coloradans
According to the 2000 census, nearly 60% of Coloradans were native to other states.
2001: Uranium Price Increases
In 2001, rising uranium prices prompted several companies to revive uranium mining operations in Colorado.
2003: Senior Property Tax Exemption Suspended
The state's senior property tax exemption was temporarily suspended by the Colorado Legislature in 2003.
2004: Obesity Rates in Colorado
As of 2018, 24% of the population was considered medically obese, and while the lowest in the nation, the percentage had increased from 17% in 2004.
2005: Real ID Act
In 2005, the Real ID Act was passed, setting the foundation for future digital identifications.
2006: Birth Rate in Colorado
There were a total of 70,331 births in Colorado in 2006. (Birth rate of 14.6 per thousand.)
2006: Ban on gay marriage
In 2006, Colorado voters passed Amendment 43, which banned gay marriage in the state.
2006: Scheduled Return of Senior Property Tax Exemption
The tax break was scheduled to return for the assessment year 2006, payable in 2007.
2007: Scheduled Return of Senior Property Tax Exemption
The tax break was scheduled to return for the assessment year 2006, payable in 2007.
2007: Racial Demographics of Births in Colorado
In 2007, non-Hispanic Whites were involved in 59.1% of all births. Some 14.06% of those births involved a non-Hispanic White person and someone of a different race, most often with a couple including one Hispanic. A birth where at least one Hispanic person was involved counted for 43% of the births in Colorado.
2007: Revival of Uranium Mining
By 2007, increased uranium prices led to a resurgence of uranium mining activities in Colorado.
2007: Bill Ritter takes office
In 2007, Bill Ritter took office as the first native-born Colorado governor since 1958.
2008: Record-Breaking Heatwave in Denver
Denver experienced a record-breaking heatwave in 2008, surpassing the previous record for consecutive days above 90°F (32°C) set in 1901. The new record stood at 24 consecutive days, demonstrating the city's vulnerability to prolonged periods of extreme heat.
2008: Democratic win in presidential election
In 2008, Colorado voted for Democratic candidate Barack Obama.
2008: Uranium Mining Projects Scaled Back
In late 2008, price drops and financing issues forced companies to cancel or scale back uranium mining projects in Colorado.
2008: Windsor EF3 Tornado
The town of Windsor, Colorado, was devastated by a destructive EF3 tornado in 2008, illustrating the potential for significant damage from such storms.
2009: Population Exceeds Five Million
The United States Census Bureau estimated that Colorado's population surpassed five million in 2009, marking a significant milestone in the state's growth.
2010: Per Capita Personal Income in Colorado
Per capita personal income in 2010 was $51,940, ranking Colorado 11th in the nation. The state's economy broadened from its mid-19th-century roots in mining when irrigated agriculture developed, and by the late 19th century, raising livestock had become important. Early industry was based on the extraction and processing of minerals and agricultural products. Current agricultural products are cattle, wheat, dairy products, corn, and hay.
2010: Boulder Named America's Foodiest Town
In 2010, Boulder was named America's Foodiest Town by Bon Appétit, highlighting its top-tier restaurants and food culture.
2010: Colorado's Hispanic Population Percentage Compared to Other States
As of the 2010 census, Colorado has the seventh highest percentage of Hispanics (20.7%) in the U.S. behind New Mexico (46.3%), California (37.6%), Texas (37.6%), Arizona (29.6%), Nevada (26.5%), and Florida (22.5%).
2010: Largest Christian Denominations in Colorado
According to the Association of Religion Data Archives, the largest Christian denominations by the number of adherents in 2010 were the Catholic Church with 811,630; multi-denominational Evangelical Protestants with 229,981; and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with 151,433.
August 22, 2011: Second Largest Earthquake
On August 22, 2011, a 5.3 magnitude earthquake, the second largest in Colorado's history, occurred 9 miles (14 km) west-southwest of Trinidad. There were no casualties and only a small amount of damage was reported.
2011: Minority Population Under One Year Old in Colorado
In 2011, 46% of Colorado's population younger than the age of one were minorities, meaning that they had at least one parent who was not non-Hispanic White.
July 20, 2012: Aurora Movie Theater Shooting
Tragedy struck Aurora, Colorado, on July 20, 2012, when a gunman opened fire in a movie theater, claiming the lives of 12 people.
November 6, 2012: Amendment for Personal Use of Marijuana
On November 6, 2012, Colorado voters amended the state constitution to protect the personal use of marijuana for adults.
2012: Legalization of Marijuana
In 2012, Colorado became the first state to legalize marijuana for medicinal, industrial, and recreational use with the adoption of the 64th state amendment.
2012: Democratic win in presidential election
In 2012, Colorado voted for Democratic candidate Barack Obama.
2012: Amendment for personal use of marijuana
In 2012, Colorado voters amended the state constitution to protect the personal use of marijuana for adults and establish a regulatory framework, leading to the opening of the first recreational marijuana shops in the U.S. on January 1, 2014.
January 2013: RTD Rail System Expansion
As of January 2013, the RTD rail system in the Denver Metropolitan Area had 170 light-rail vehicles serving 47 miles of track.
2013: Colorado Floods
Widespread flooding impacted Colorado in 2013, causing extensive damage and underscoring the state's vulnerability to such events, particularly in areas prone to flash floods.
2013: Mountain Goat Kids Killed by Unknown Illness
In 2013, 2014, and 2019, an unknown illness killed nearly all mountain goat kids, leading to a Colorado Parks and Wildlife investigation.
2013: Pronghorn Population Rebounds
By 2013, conservation efforts succeeded in bringing the stable pronghorn population back up to roughly 66,000 from a low of only 15,000 individuals during the 1960s.
January 1, 2014: First Recreational Marijuana Shops Open
On January 1, 2014, the first recreational marijuana shops in Colorado, and the United States, opened their doors.
April 4, 2014: Introduction of Senate Bill 14-184
On April 4, 2014, Senate Bill 14-184 addressing the oversight of Colorado's industrial hemp program was first introduced.
May 31, 2014: Senate Bill 14-184 Signed into Law
On May 31, 2014, Governor John Hickenlooper signed Senate Bill 14-184 into law, addressing oversight of Colorado's industrial hemp program.
August 2014: Colorado issues driver licenses to aliens
In August 2014, Colorado began issuing driver licenses to aliens not lawfully in the United States who resided in the state.
September 2014: KCNC reports on non-citizen driver licenses
In September 2014, KCNC reported that 524 non-citizens were issued Colorado driver licenses typically given to U.S. citizens living in Colorado.
2014: Major Religious Affiliations in Colorado
Major religious affiliations of the people of Colorado as of 2014 were 64% Christian, of whom there are 44% Protestant, 16% Roman Catholic, 3% Mormon, and 1% Eastern Orthodox. Other religious breakdowns according to the Pew Research Center were 1% Jewish, 1% Muslim, 1% Buddhist and 4% other. The religiously unaffiliated made up 29% of the population.
2014: Allocation of Medical Marijuana Program Cash Fund
In 2014, Governor John Hickenlooper allocated about half of the state's $13 million Medical Marijuana Program Cash Fund to medical research.
2014: Life Expectancy in Colorado
According to a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association, residents of Colorado had a 2014 life expectancy of 80.21 years, the longest of any U.S. state.
2015: Furious 7 Filming
In 2015, Furious 7 planned to film driving sequences on Pikes Peak Highway in Colorado.
2015: Supreme Court nullifies gay marriage ban
In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges nullified Colorado's ban on gay marriage.
2015: Total State Product of Colorado
The total state product in 2015 was $318.6 billion.
2016: No Major Uranium Mining Operations
As of 2016, there were no major uranium mining operations in Colorado, although there were plans to restart production.
2016: Democratic win in presidential election
In 2016, Colorado voted for Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.
2016: Marijuana Sales Reach $1.31 Billion
In 2016, Colorado's marijuana industry sold $1.31 billion worth of marijuana, generating $194 million in tax, fee, and license revenue.
2016: Median Annual Household Income in Colorado
Median Annual Household Income in 2016 was $70,666, 8th in the nation.
May 8, 2017: Costliest Hailstorm in Colorado History
Colorado faced its most expensive hailstorm on record on May 8, 2017, causing extensive property damage and highlighting the destructive potential of such storms.
2017: Colorado's Fertility Rate
In 2017, Colorado recorded the second-lowest fertility rate in the United States outside of New England, after Oregon, at 1.63 children per woman. Significant contributing factors to the decline in pregnancies were the Title X Family Planning Program and an intrauterine device grant from Warren Buffett's family.
2017: Marijuana Sales Continue to Surge
In 2017, Colorado's marijuana industry sold $1.26 billion in the first three-quarters of the year.
August 24, 2018: Four Minor Earthquakes
Four minor earthquakes, ranging from magnitude 2.9 to 4.3, rattled Colorado on August 24, 2018.
December 2018: Unemployment Rate in Colorado
As of December 2018, the state's unemployment rate was 4.2%.
2018: Largest Pool of Pot Money
By 2018, the Medical Marijuana Program Cash Fund was the largest pool of pot money in Colorado, funding various programs including research into pediatric applications for autism.
2018: Grand Valley AVA Top Wine Destination
In 2018, Wine Enthusiast Magazine named Colorado's Grand Valley AVA in Mesa County as one of the Top Ten wine travel destinations in the world.
2018: Tourism in Colorado
Several nationally known brand names have originated in Colorado factories and laboratories. From Denver came the forerunner of telecommunications giant Qwest in 1879, Samsonite luggage in 1910, Gates belts and hoses in 1911, and Russell Stover Candies in 1923. Kuner canned vegetables began in Brighton in 1864. From Golden came Coors beer in 1873, CoorsTek industrial ceramics in 1920, and Jolly Rancher candy in 1949. CF&I railroad rails, wire, nails, and pipe debuted in Pueblo in 1892. Holly Sugar was first milled from beets in Holly in 1905, and later moved its headquarters to Colorado Springs. The present-day Swift packed meat of Greeley evolved from Monfort of Colorado, Inc., established in 1930. Estes model rockets were launched in Penrose in 1958. Fort Collins has been the home of Woodward Governor Company's motor controllers (governors) since 1870, and Waterpik dental water jets and showerheads since 1962. Celestial Seasonings herbal teas have been made in Boulder since 1969. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory made its first candy in Durango in 1981. Tourism contributes greatly to Colorado's economy, with tourists generating $22.3 billion in 2018.
2018: USS Colorado (SSN-788) Commissioned
The U.S. Navy commissioned the Virginia-class submarine USS Colorado (SSN-788) in 2018, marking the latest vessel to bear the state's name.
2018: Teachers' Strike Inspiration
The West Virginia teachers' strike in 2018 inspired teachers in other states, including Colorado, to take similar action.
2018: Obesity Rates in Colorado
As of 2018, 24% of the population was considered medically obese, and while the lowest in the nation, the percentage had increased from 17% in 2004.
July 20, 2019: Highest Recorded Temperature
The highest official ambient air temperature ever recorded in Colorado, 115 °F (46.1 °C), occurred on July 20, 2019, at John Martin Dam.
October 2019: Colorado accepts digital ID
On October 30, 2019, Colorado became the first state to accept digital ID via its myColorado app.
2019: Pronghorn Population Reaches 85,000
The pronghorn population was estimated to have reached 85,000 by 2019, leading to increased run-ins with suburban housing along the eastern Front Range.
2019: Employment in Colorado
In 2019 the total employment was 2,473,192. The number of employer establishments is 174,258.
2019: Hispanic Population Growth in Colorado
By 2019, Hispanics made up 22% of Colorado's population, and Non-Hispanic Whites made up 70%.
2019: Wolf Pack Recolonizes
A wolf pack recolonized Moffat County in northwestern Colorado in 2019.
March 6, 2020: Statistical Areas Defined
On March 6, 2020, the Office of Management and Budget defined 21 statistical areas for Colorado, comprising four combined statistical areas, seven metropolitan statistical areas, and ten micropolitan statistical areas.
April 18, 2020: First Space Force officers commissioned
On April 18, 2020, the first class of Space Force officers from the Air Force Academy was commissioned.
November 2020: Voters Approve Income Tax Rate Reduction
On 3 November 2020 voters authorized an initiative to lower that income tax rate to 4.55 percent.
2020: Denver-Aurora-Lakewood Population
The most populous of the seven metropolitan statistical areas in Colorado, the 10-county Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area, had a population of 2,963,821 at the 2020 United States census.
2020: Front Range Urban Corridor Population
The Front Range Urban Corridor, the most populous extended metropolitan region in Rocky Mountain Region, had a population of 5,055,344 at the 2020 census.
2020: Denver-Aurora Population
The Denver-Aurora, CO Combined Statistical Area had a population of 3,623,560 at the 2020 census.
2020: United States Census
The 2020 United States Census was conducted, providing a benchmark for population data in Colorado.
2020: Colorado ranked easiest state to vote in
In a 2020 study, Colorado was ranked as the seventh easiest state for citizens to vote in.
2020: Largest Christian Denominations in Colorado
In 2020, the Association of Religion Data Archives determined the largest Christian denominations were Catholics (873,236), non/multi/inter-denominational Protestants (406,798), and Mormons (150,509). Throughout its non-Christian population, there were 12,500 Hindus, 7,101 Hindu Yogis, and 17,369 Buddhists at the 2020 study.
2020: Religious Demographics of Colorado
In 2020, according to the Public Religion Research Institute, Christianity was 66% of the population. Judaism was also reported to have increased in this separate study, forming 2% of the religious landscape, while the religiously unaffiliated were reported to form 28% of the population in this separate study.
2020: Colorado in presidential elections
In 2020, Colorado was won by double digits for the first time since 1984 in a presidential election.
2020: Democratic win in presidential election
In 2020, Colorado voted for Democratic candidate Joe Biden.
2020: Reintroduction of Gray Wolves
Coloradans voted to reintroduce gray wolves in 2020, with the state committing to a plan to have a population in the state by 2022.
2020: 2020 United States Census
At the 2020 United States Census, 4,299,942 of the 5,773,714 Colorado residents (74.47%) lived in one of the state's 272 municipalities.
2020: Corn Yield Impacted by Drought
In 2020, arid conditions and drought negatively impacted corn yields in the Eastern Plains of Colorado.
March 22, 2021: Boulder King Soopers Supermarket Shooting
On March 22, 2021, a mass shooting occurred at a King Soopers supermarket in Boulder, Colorado, where a gunman killed ten individuals, including a police officer.
December 30, 2021: Marshall Fire
While not the largest wildfire in Colorado history, the Marshall Fire, which started on December 30, 2021, became the most destructive in terms of property loss.
November 2022: myColorado app reaches 1 million users
By November 2022, the myColorado app had over 1 million users, according to the Colorado Governor's Office of Information Technology.
2022: Club Q Shooting
In a horrific act of anti-LGBT violence, a gunman killed 5 people at Club Q, a nightclub in Colorado Springs, during the night of November 19–20, 2022.
2022: Homelessness in Colorado
According to HUD's 2022 Annual Homeless Assessment Report, there were an estimated 10,397 homeless people in Colorado.
2022: Religious Identification in Colorado
In 2022, the same organization reported 61% was Christian (39% Protestant, 19% Catholic, 2% Mormon, 1% Eastern Orthodox), 2% New Age, 1% Jewish, 1% Hindu, and 34% religiously unaffiliated.
2022: Corn Yield Impacted by Drought Again
In 2022, the Eastern Plains of Colorado experienced another drop in corn yields due to arid conditions and drought.
July 1, 2023: Population Estimate
The United States Census Bureau estimated the population of Colorado to be 5,877,610 on July 1, 2023, representing a 1.80% increase since the 2020 United States census.
December 19, 2023: Colorado Supreme Court disqualifies Donald Trump
On December 19, 2023, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Donald Trump was disqualified from the 2024 presidential election due to his alleged incitement of the January 6 Capitol attack.
2023: Democratic majority in Colorado General Assembly
As of 2023, the Democratic Party holds a 23 to 12 majority in the Colorado Senate and a 46 to 19 majority in the House of Representatives.
2025: Digital IDs valid with Real ID enforcement
In 2025, state-issued digital identifications via the myColorado app will be considered valid when Real ID enforcement begins.