The state of Colorado is a favorite among tourists, boasting beautiful scenery and world-renowned skiing. The many hues of its varied geography have earned it the nickname Colorful Colorado. The name Colorado is Spanish in origin and a reflection of this colorful topography.

Early Exploration
The Spanish began exploring the land that is modern-day Colorado in the 1500s and called the region "Colorado," from a Spanish adjective meaning red. It remains unclear whether the term was originally applied to the Colorado River, which appeared red due to the amount of silt it carried, or because of the ruddy hue of the earth.

Territorial Years
Colorado was originally part of the Jefferson Territory, which also included New Mexico, Nebraska, Utah and Kansas. The new name was approved by Congress in 1861 when it separated from the rest of Jefferson Territory and became the Territory of Colorado under the leadership of Territorial Governor William Gilpin.

Statehood
Colorado became the union's 38th state on Aug. 1, 1876. Retaining its name from its territorial days, the state elected John Long Routt as its first governor. The state flag was designed to include the color red as a symbol of the state's name origin.