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First visited by Spanish explorers in
the 1500s, the territory was claimed for Spain by
Juan de Ulibarri in 1706. The U.S. obtained eastern
Colorado as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803,
the central portion in 1845 with the admission of
Texas as a state, and the western part in 1848 as a
result of the Mexican War.
Colorado has the highest mean elevation of any
state, with more than 1,000 Rocky Mountain peaks
over 10,000 ft high and 54 towering above 14,000 ft.
Pikes Peak, the most famous of these mountains, was
discovered by U.S. Army lieutenant Zebulon M. Pike
in 1806.
Once primarily a mining and
agricultural state, Colorado's economy is now driven
by the service industries, including medical
providers and other business and professional
services. Colorado's economy also has a strong
manufacturing base. The primary manufactures are
food products, printing and publishing, machinery,
and electrical instruments. The state is also a
communications and transportation hub for the Rocky
Mountain region.
The farm industry, which is
primarily concentrated in livestock, is also an
important element of the state's economy. The
primary crops in Colorado are corn, hay, and wheat.
Breathtaking scenery and
world-class skiing make Colorado a prime tourist
destination. The main tourist attractions in the
state include Rocky Mountain National Park,
Curecanti National Recreation Area, Mesa Verde
National Park, the Great Sand Dunes and Dinosaur
National Monuments, Colorado National Monument, and
the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument. |
