Are you a Colorado native? Me too! Do you know everything there is to know about Colorado? Me too! Or, at least I thought I did until running across these obscure 13 factoids about the Centennial State. The following facts about Colorado range from historical to humorous, and just about everything in between.

1. In 1908, the first-ever United States license plate was issued in Denver.
Wikicommons
2. With an elevation of 10,430 feet, Leadville is the highest incorporated city in the United States.
Wikimedia Commons
If you happen to be from Leadville, this is a tidbit of Colorado trivia that you likely know well.
3. Pueblo was nicknamed the "Home of Heroes," a distinction given at the time when it was the only city in the U.S.with four living recipients of the Medal of Honor.
Wikimedia Commons
The Medal of Honor is an award to designating the highest level of personal military decoration.
4. Colorado is the only state to have ever turned down the Olympics.
Wikimedia Commons
The 1976 Olympics were supposed to be held in Denver, but the city turned it down last minute because of the high cost and predicted pollution. This is one of the facts about Colorado that's often talked about each year when the Olympics rolls around again.
5. Trinidad is known as the "sex change capital of the world."
Wikimedia Commons
An estimated 65% of the world's sex changes from from 1969 to 2003 were performed by Dr. Stanley Biber.
6. Rocky Ford is known as the "Melon Capital of the World."
Wikimedia Commons

Related Stories

The Incredible Farm In Colorado Where You Can Pick Buckets Of Berries

The Incredible Farm In Colorado Where You Can Pick Buckets Of Berries

 I Found The Trail Of My Dreams While Hiking In Rocky Mountain National Park In Colorado

I Found The Trail Of My Dreams While Hiking In Rocky Mountain National Park In Colorado

 Escape To The Countryside When You Stay At This Rural Airbnb In Colorado

Escape To The Countryside When You Stay At This Rural Airbnb In Colorado
7. Colorado is known as the "Rodeo Capital of the World."
Wikimedia Commons
In fact, the world's first rodeo was held in Deer Trail on July 4, 1869.
8. There are almost as many dead towns in Colorado as there are live ones.
Wikimedia Commons
Colorado is home to 500 ghost towns and 650 occupied towns. Curious to explore some of these hauntingly beautiful ghost towns? Check out our ghost town road trip through Colorado.
9. The town of Dove Creek is the "Pinto Bean Capital of the World."
Wikimedia Commons
Adobe Milling, a company that markets locally-grown beans and other southwestern foods, sits on the outskirts of Dove Creek.
10. The first ever Stegosaurus fossils were found just outside of Grand Junction.
Wikimedia Commons
11. Colorado is home to the world's largest alligator farm.
Wikimedia Commons
Colorado Gators Reptile Park is located in Mosca.
12. Glenwood Hot Springs is the world’s largest hot springs pool.
Wikimedia Commons
Learn more about how these Colorado hot springs are considered to be among the best in the world.
13. The Imperial Express SuperChair at Breckenridge Ski Resort is the highest chairlift in North America.
Flickr/Tim Brunelle
The Imperial Express Superchair has an elevation of nearly 13,000 feet!

Which of these facts about Colorado surprised you the most? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Facts About Colorado

Beth C. | July 14, 2020

What are people from Colorado known for?

People from Colorado are just as unique as the state itself. No two Colorado residents are alike, and each has their own identity, interests, and passions. Yet if there's one thing that unites all people from Colorado, it's most likely an undying love for the outdoors. Colorado is such a naturally-beautiful state, and its residents enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities. While not all Coloradans are avid skiers, many do enjoy hitting the slopes, if not snowshoeing or perhaps going for a wintery stroll. Similarly, not all Coloradans have hiked every 114-er, but many have taken advantage of Colorado's variety of trails. Lastly, and most importantly, people from Colorado are known for loving their home state!

What are the best things about living in Colorado?

Where to even begin? In addition to the proximity to the great outdoors, one of the best things about living in Colorado is the opportunity for adventure. Whether you're looking to explore the Great Sand Dunes National Park, dip your toes in Horsetooth Reservoir, or meander along a beautiful wildflower trail in Rocky Mountain National Park, you'll find that the opportunities for exploring this beautiful state are never hard to come by. Coloradans also enjoy a healthier lifestyle than the average American, partly due to the fact that there are so many opportunities for exercise. If you're someone who enjoys city life, Colorado also offers cultural, dining, and educational experiences for all ages.

What is Colorado known for?

First and foremost, Colorado is known for its beautiful natural scenery. When someone thinks about Colorado, they typically picture the vastness of the Rocky Mountains. Yet there are many other aspects of Colorado that are worth mentioning. To begin with, the Centennial State has a fascinating and complicated history. Take the Pikes Peak Gold Rush for example. This migration of families in search of gold and wealth in the western territories began in 1858 and lasted until the creation of the Colorado territory. This rush created mining camps in Denver City and Boulder City, which would later become major cities in the official state of Colorado. Some of Colorado's major ghost towns were abandoned after the prospects for finding gold were diminished.

 

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Colorado, USA