List of county seats in Colorado

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The location of the State of Colorado in the United States of America. Colorado in United States.svg
The location of the State of Colorado in the United States of America .

This is a list of the county seats of the U.S. State of Colorado and its two predecessors: the extralegal Territory of Jefferson and the official Territory of Colorado.

Contents

Territory of Jefferson

The location of the extralegal Territory of Jefferson in the United States of America in 1859. Jefferson territory.png
The location of the extralegal Territory of Jefferson in the United States of America in 1859.

On August 24, 1859, voters of the Pike's Peak mining region approved the formation of the Provisional Government of the Territory of Jefferson and designated Denver City as the capital. [1] On November 28, 1859, the territory established 12 counties which served as the de facto local government. [2] The extralegal territory was unable to secure authorization from the United States Congress embroiled in the debate over slavery. On November 13, 1860, the territory moved its capital to Golden City. On February 28, 1861, after seven slave states seceded from the Union, U.S. President James Buchanan signed An Act to provide a temporary Government for the Territory of Colorado. [3] On June 6, 1861, the Jefferson Territory officially yielded to the new Territory of Colorado.

The 12 counties of the Territory of Jefferson and their county seats

Territory and State of Colorado

The 64 counties of the U.S. State of Colorado.

The free Territory of Colorado was officially organized on February 28, 1861. [3] On November 1, 1861, the Colorado Territory created 17 original counties: Arapahoe, Boulder, Clear Creek, Costilla, Douglas, El Paso, Fremont, Gilpin, Guadalupe, Huerfano, Jefferson, Lake, Larimer, Park, Pueblo, Summit, and Weld; plus the Cheyenne and Arapaho Reserve. [4] [5] The Colorado Territory later added 12 more counties for a total of 29, of which 26 still exist. [4] [5]

On August 1, 1876, U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant issued Proclamation 230: Admission of Colorado into the Union. [6] The State of Colorado has created 41 counties of which 38 still exist, for a total of 64 existing counties. [4] [5]

The 64 current and six extinct counties of Colorado and their county seats

Table of county seats

Current and Historical County Seats

County seatCountyBeginningEnd
Akron [lower-alpha 101] Washington County, Colorado February 9, 1887present
Alamosa [lower-alpha 13] Alamosa County, Colorado March 8, 1913present
Arapahoe City
Arapahoe
[lower-alpha 6]
Jefferson County, Jefferson Territory November 28, 1859November 6, 1860
Aspen [lower-alpha 87] Pitkin County, Colorado February 23, 1881present
Autobees Plaza [lower-alpha 57] Huerfano County, Colorado Territory November 1, 18611868
Badito [lower-alpha 58] Huerfano County, Colorado Territory 18681874
Boggsville [lower-alpha 19] Bent County, Colorado Territory 18701872
Boulder City
Boulder
[lower-alpha 5]
Jackson County, Jefferson Territory November 28, 1859June 6, 1861
Boulder County, Colorado Territory
Boulder County, Colorado
November 1, 1861present
Breckenridge
Breckinridge
Breckenridge
[lower-alpha 11]
Saratoga County, Jefferson Territory November 28, 1859June 6, 1861
Summit County, Colorado Territory
Summit County, Colorado
1862present
Brighton [lower-alpha 12] Adams County, Colorado November 15, 1902present
Broomfield [lower-alpha 20] City and County of Broomfield November 15, 2001present
Laurette
Buckskin
Buckskin Joe
[lower-alpha 84]
Park County, Colorado Territory January 7, 1862November 7, 1867
Buena Vista [lower-alpha 23] Chaffee County, Colorado 18881928
Burlington [lower-alpha 63] Kit Carson County, Colorado April 11, 1889present
Cañon City [lower-alpha 47] Fremont County, Colorado Territory
Fremont County, Colorado
November 1, 1861present
Carbonate [lower-alpha 48] Garfield County, Colorado February 10, 18831883
Castle Rock [lower-alpha 42] Douglas County, Colorado Territory
Douglas County, Colorado
1874present
Central City [lower-alpha 8] Mountain County, Jefferson Territory November 28, 1859June 6, 1861
Gilpin County, Colorado Territory
Gilpin County, Colorado
November 1, 1861present
Cheyenne Wells [lower-alpha 25] Cheyenne County, Colorado March 25, 1889present
Colorado City [lower-alpha 2] El Paso County, Jefferson Territory November 28, 1859June 6, 1861
El Paso County, Colorado Territory November 1, 18611873
Capital of the Territory of Colorado July 7, 1862August 14, 1862
Colorado Springs [lower-alpha 45] El Paso County, Colorado Territory
El Paso County, Colorado
1873present
Conejos [lower-alpha 30] Conejos County, Colorado Territory
Conejos County, Colorado
1863present
Cortez [lower-alpha 78] Montezuma County, Colorado April 16, 1889present
San Miguel
Costilla
[lower-alpha 31]
Costilla County, Colorado Territory November 1, 18611863
Craig [lower-alpha 77] Moffat County, Colorado February 27, 1911present
Amethyst
Creede
[lower-alpha 76]
Mineral County, Colorado November 7, 1893present
Cripple Creek [lower-alpha 100] Teller County, Colorado March 23, 1899present
Dayton [lower-alpha 68] Lake County, Colorado Territory 18661868
Del Norte [lower-alpha 90] Rio Grande County, Colorado Territory
Rio Grande County, Colorado
February 10, 1874present
Delta [lower-alpha 38] Delta County, Colorado February 11, 1883present
Denver City
Denver
[lower-alpha 1]
Capital of the Territory of Jefferson October 24, 1859November 13, 1860
Arrappahoe County, Jefferson Territory November 28, 1859June 6, 1861
Capital of the Territory of Colorado February 28, 1861July 7, 1862
Arapahoe County, Colorado Territory
Arapahoe County, Colorado [lower-alpha 14]
November 1, 1861November 15, 1902
Capital of the Territory of Colorado December 9, 1867August 1, 1876
Capital of the State of Colorado August 1, 1876present
City and County of Denver, Colorado December 1, 1902present
Dove Creek [lower-alpha 40] Dolores County, Colorado 1945present
Durango [lower-alpha 66] La Plata County, Colorado 1881present
Eads [lower-alpha 62] Kiowa County, Colorado 1902present
Eagle [lower-alpha 44] Eagle County, Colorado 1921present
Evans [lower-alpha 103] Weld County, Colorado Territory
Weld County, Colorado
18701874
18751877
Fair Play
Fairplay
[lower-alpha 85]
Park County, Colorado Territory
Park County, Colorado
November 7, 1867present
Fort Collins [lower-alpha 70] Larimer County, Colorado Territory
Larimer County, Colorado
1868present
Fort Morgan [lower-alpha 80] Morgan County, Colorado February 19, 1889present
Frankstown [lower-alpha 41] Douglas County, Colorado Territory November 1, 18611864
California Ranch
Franktown
[lower-alpha 41]
Douglas County, Colorado Territory 18641874
Georgetown [lower-alpha 27] Clear Creek County, Colorado Territory
Clear Creek County, Colorado
1867present
Barlow
Glenwood Springs
[lower-alpha 49]
Garfield County, Colorado 1883present
Golden City
Golden
[lower-alpha 7]
Jefferson County, Jefferson Territory November 6, 1860June 6, 1861
Capital of the Territory of Jefferson November 13, 1860June 6, 1861
Jefferson County, Colorado Territory
Jefferson County, Colorado
November 1, 1861present
Capital of the Territory of Colorado August 14, 1862December 9, 1967
Grand Junction [lower-alpha 74] Mesa County, Colorado February 11, 1883present
Grand Lake [lower-alpha 51] Grand County, Colorado 18821888
Granite [lower-alpha 22] Lake County, Colorado Territory
Lake County, Colorado [lower-alpha 21]
1868February 8, 1879
Carbonate County, Colorado [lower-alpha 21] February 8, 1879February 10, 1879
Chaffee County, Colorado [lower-alpha 21] February 10, 18791888
Greeley [lower-alpha 104] Weld County, Colorado Territory 18741875
Weld County, Colorado 1877present
Guadaloupe [lower-alpha 29] Guadaloupe County, Colorado Territory [lower-alpha 28] November 1, 1861November 7, 1861
Conejos County, Colorado Territory [lower-alpha 28] November 7, 18611863
Gunnison [lower-alpha 54] Gunnison County, Colorado March 9, 1877present
Hahns Peak [lower-alpha 92] Routt County, Colorado 18781912
Hayden [lower-alpha 91] Routt County, Colorado January 29, 18771878
Holyoke [lower-alpha 86] Phillips County, Colorado March 27, 1889present
Hot Sulphur Springs
Sulphur Springs
Hot Sulphur Springs
[lower-alpha 50]
Grand County, Colorado Territory
Grand County, Colorado
February 2, 18741882
1888present
Howardsville [lower-alpha 64] La Plata County, Colorado Territory February 10, 1874January 31, 1876
Hugo [lower-alpha 72] Lincoln County, Colorado April 11, 1889present
Idaho [lower-alpha 26] Clear Creek County, Colorado Territory November 1, 18611867
Julesburg [lower-alpha 98] Sedgwick County, Colorado April 9, 1889present
Kiowa [lower-alpha 46] Elbert County, Colorado Territory
Elbert County, Colorado
February 2, 1874present
Kit Carson [lower-alpha 53] Greenwood County, Colorado Territory [lower-alpha 52] February 11, 1870February 6, 1874
La Junta [lower-alpha 81] Otero County, Colorado March 25, 1889present
La Porte [lower-alpha 4] Heele County, Jefferson Territory November 28, 1859June 6, 1861
Larimer County, Colorado Territory November 1, 18611868
Lake City [lower-alpha 56] Hinsdale County, Colorado Territory
Hinsdale County, Colorado
1875present
Lamar [lower-alpha 88] Prowers County, Colorado April 11, 1889present
Las Animas (east) [lower-alpha 18] Bent County, Colorado Territory February 11, 18701870
18721875
West Las Animas
Las Animas
[lower-alpha 18]
Bent County, Colorado Territory
Bent County, Colorado
1875present
Latham [lower-alpha 102] Weld County, Colorado Territory 18681870
Leadville [lower-alpha 69] Lake County, Colorado [lower-alpha 21] February 10, 1879present
Littleton [lower-alpha 15] South Arapahoe County, Colorado [lower-alpha 14] November 15, 1902April 11, 1903
Arapahoe County, Colorado [lower-alpha 14] April 11, 1903present
Meeker [lower-alpha 89] Rio Blanco County, Colorado March 25, 1889present
Montrose [lower-alpha 79] Montrose County, Colorado February 11, 1883present
Ordway [lower-alpha 33] Crowley County, Colorado May 29, 1911present
Oro City [lower-alpha 67] Lake County, Colorado Territory November 1, 18611866
Ouray [lower-alpha 83] Ouray County, Colorado [lower-alpha 82] January 18, 1877February 27, 1883
Uncompahgre County, Colorado [lower-alpha 82] February 27, 1883March 2, 1883
Ouray County, Colorado [lower-alpha 82] March 2, 1883present
Pagosa Springs [lower-alpha 16] Archuleta County, Colorado April 14, 1885present
Parkville [lower-alpha 99] Summit County, Colorado Territory November 1, 18611862
Parrott City [lower-alpha 65] La Plata County, Colorado Territory
La Plata County, Colorado
January 31, 18761881
Pueblo [lower-alpha 3] Fountain County, Jefferson Territory November 28, 1859June 6, 1861
Pueblo County, Colorado Territory
Pueblo County, Colorado
November 1, 1861present
Red Cliff
Redcliff
[lower-alpha 43]
Eagle County, Colorado February 11, 18831921
Rico [lower-alpha 39] Dolores County, Colorado March 4, 18811945
Rosita [lower-alpha 35] Custer County, Colorado 18781886
Saguache [lower-alpha 95] [lower-alpha 94] Saguache County, Colorado Territory
Saguache County, Colorado [lower-alpha 94]
December 29, 1866present
Saint Vrain [lower-alpha 10] St. Vrain County, Jefferson Territory November 28, 1859June 6, 1861
Weld County, Colorado Territory November 1, 18611868
Salida [lower-alpha 24] Chaffee County, Colorado 1928present
San Juan City
San Juan
[lower-alpha 55]
Hinsdale County, Colorado Territory February 10, 18741875
San Luis [lower-alpha 32] Costilla County, Colorado Territory
Costilla County, Colorado
1863present
Sheridan Lake [lower-alpha 61] Kiowa County, Colorado April 11, 18891902
Silver Cliff [lower-alpha 36] Custer County, Colorado 18861928
Silverton [lower-alpha 96] San Juan County, Colorado Territory
San Juan County, Colorado
January 31, 1876present
Springfield [lower-alpha 17] Baca County, Colorado April 16, 1889present
Steamboat Springs [lower-alpha 93] Routt County, Colorado 1912present
Sterling [lower-alpha 73] Logan County, Colorado February 25, 1887present
Tarryall City
Tarryall
[lower-alpha 9]
Park County, Jefferson Territory November 28, 1859June 6, 1861
Park County, Colorado Territory November 1, 1861January 7, 1862
Telluride [lower-alpha 97] San Miguel County, Colorado March 2, 1883present
Trinidad [lower-alpha 71] Las Animas County, Colorado Territory
Las Animas County, Colorado
February 9, 1866present
Ula [lower-alpha 34] Custer County, Colorado March 9, 18771878
Walden [lower-alpha 60] Jackson County, Colorado May 5, 1909present
Walsenburgh
Tourist
Walsenburgh
Walsenburg
[lower-alpha 59]
Huerfano County, Colorado Territory
Huerfano County, Colorado
1874present
Wason [lower-alpha 75] Mineral County, Colorado March 27, 1893November 7, 1893
Westcliffe [lower-alpha 37] Custer County, Colorado 1928present
Wray [lower-alpha 106] Yuma County, Colorado 1902present
Yuma [lower-alpha 105] Yuma County, Colorado March 15, 18891902
   Capital
   Extinct county

County seat distinctions

  1. The five cities of Boulder, Cañon City, Central City, Golden, and Pueblo are the longest serving Colorado county seats having been designated by the Territory of Colorado on November 1, 1861.
  2. Of the 64 current counties of Colorado, 38 have retained their original county seat.
  3. Weld County has changed its county seat five times: in 1868, 1870, 1874, 1875, and 1877.
  4. Granite has served as the county seat of three counties: Lake County, Carbonate County, and Chaffee County.
  5. San Miguel (later Costilla) was designated the original county seat of Costilla County, Colorado Territory despite lying unbeknownst across the border in the Territory of New Mexico.

See also

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 4 On August 24, 1859, voters of the Pike's Peak mining region approved the formation of the Provisional Government of the Territory of Jefferson with Denver City as the territorial capital. [1] [12] On November 28, 1859, the extralegal territory created 12 counties, with Denver City as the seat of Arrappahoe County, Jefferson Territory. [2] On December 3, 1859, the Jefferson Territory granted a charter to the consolidated City of Denver, Auraria, and Highland, still commonly known as Denver City. [13] On November 13, 1860, the Jefferson Territory moved its capital to Golden City. On February 28, 1861, U.S. President James Buchanan signed An Act to provide a temporary Government for the Territory of Colorado, which designated Denver City as the original capital of the Colorado Territory. [3] On June 6, 1861, the Jefferson Territory officially yielded to the new territory. On November 1, 1861, the Colorado Territory created 17 original counties, with Denver City as the original seat of Arapahoe County. On November 7, 1861, the Colorado Territory reincorporated the city as the City of Denver City. [14] On July 7, 1862, the Colorado Territory moved its capital to Colorado City. On February 13, 1866, the city shortened its name to the City of Denver. [7] Denver served again as the capital of the Colorado Territory from December 9, 1867, until statehood on August 1, 1876, when Denver became the (first and only) capital of the State of Colorado. The City and County of Denver was consolidated on December 1, 1902. [15]
  2. 1 2 3 On November 28, 1859, the Provisional Government of the Territory of Jefferson created 12 counties, with Colorado City as the seat of El Paso County, Jefferson Territory. [2] On November 1, 1861, the new Territory of Colorado created 17 original counties, with Colorado City as the original seat of El Paso County, Colorado Territory. Colorado City served as the second capital of the Colorado Territory from July 7, 1862, until August 14, 1862. In 1873, county voters moved the county seat to Colorado Springs. On June 10, 1917, the City of Colorado Springs annexed Colorado City. [10]
  3. 1 2 3 On November 28, 1859, the Provisional Government of the Territory of Jefferson created 12 counties, with Pueblo as the seat of Fountain County, Jefferson Territory. [2] On November 1, 1861, the new Territory of Colorado created 17 original counties, with Pueblo as the seat of Pueblo County, Colorado Territory, and since statehood on August 1, 1876, the seat of Pueblo County, Colorado.
  4. 1 2 3 On November 28, 1859, the Provisional Government of the Territory of Jefferson created 12 counties, with La Porte as the seat of Heele County, Jefferson Territory. [2] On November 1, 1861, the new Territory of Colorado created 17 original counties, with La Porte as the original seat of Larimer County, Colorado Territory, serving until 1868. On December 21, 1894, La Porte changed its name to Laporte. [7]
  5. 1 2 3 On November 28, 1859, the Provisional Government of the Territory of Jefferson created 12 counties, with Boulder City as the seat of Jackson County, Jefferson Territory. [2] On November 1, 1861, the new Territory of Colorado created 17 original counties, with Boulder City as the seat of Boulder County, Colorado Territory, and since statehood on August 1, 1876, Boulder has been the seat of Boulder County, Colorado.
  6. 1 2 On November 28, 1859, the Provisional Government of the Territory of Jefferson created 12 counties, with Arapahoe City as the first seat of Jefferson County, Jefferson Territory. [2] On January 17, 1860, Arapahoe City shortened its name to Arapahoe. [7] On November 6, 1860, the Jefferson Territory moved the seat of Jefferson County to Golden City.
  7. 1 2 3 On November 6, 1860, the Provisional Government of the Territory of Jefferson designated Golden City as the new seat of Jefferson County, Jefferson Territory, and on November 13, 1860, it designated Golden City as its new territorial capital. [2] On November 1, 1861, the new Territory of Colorado created 17 original counties, with Golden City as the original seat of Jefferson County, Colorado Territory. Golden City served as the third capital of the Colorado Territory from August 14, 1862, until December 9, 1967. On June 27, 1876, Golden City shortened its name to Golden, [7] and since statehood on August 1, 1876, Golden has been the seat of Jefferson County, Colorado.
  8. 1 2 3 On November 28, 1859, the Provisional Government of the Territory of Jefferson created 12 counties, with Central City as the seat of Mountain County, Jefferson Territory. [2] On November 1, 1861, the new Territory of Colorado created 17 original counties, with Central City as the seat of Gilpin County, Colorado Territory, and since statehood on August 1, 1876, the seat of Gilpin County, Colorado.
  9. 1 2 3 On November 28, 1859, the Provisional Government of the Territory of Jefferson created 12 counties, with Tarryall City as the seat of Park County, Jefferson Territory. [2] On January 4, 1860, Tarryall City shortened its name to Tarryall. [7] On November 1, 1861, the new Territory of Colorado created 17 original counties, with Tarryall as the original seat of Park County, Colorado Territory, serving until January 7, 1862.
  10. 1 2 3 On November 28, 1859, the Provisional Government of the Territory of Jefferson created 12 counties, with Saint Vrain as the seat of St. Vrain County, Jefferson Territory. [2] On November 1, 1861, the new Territory of Colorado created 17 original counties, with Saint Vrain as the original seat of Weld County, Colorado Territory, serving until 1868.
  11. 1 2 3 On November 28, 1859, the Provisional Government of the Territory of Jefferson created 12 counties, with Breckenridge as the seat of Saratoga County, Jefferson Territory. [2] On January 18, 1860, the spelling of the town's name was changed to Breckinridge in honor of U.S. Vice President John Cabell Breckinridge. [8] On December 2, 1861, after John Breckinridge accepted a commission as a brigadier general in the Confederate States Army, the town changed its name back to the original Breckenridge. [7] [9] In 1862, county voters selected Breckenridge as the new seat of Summit County, Colorado Territory, and since statehood on August 1, 1876, the seat of Summit County, Colorado.
  12. 1 2 Brighton has been the seat of Adams County, Colorado since the county was created on November 15, 1902.
  13. 1 2 Alamosa has been the seat of Alamosa County, Colorado since the county was created on March 8, 1913.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 The name of Arapahoe County was changed to South Arapahoe County for the 15 months from November 15, 1902 to April 11, 1903.
  15. 1 2 3 Voters selected Littleton as the seat of South Arapahoe County, Colorado, which was renamed and re-created on November 15, 1902. Littleton has remained the seat since the county name was changed back to Arapahoe County, Colorado on April 11, 1903.
  16. 1 2 Pagosa Springs has been the seat of Archuleta County, Colorado since the county was created on April 14, 1885.
  17. 1 2 Springfield has been the seat of Baca County, Colorado since the county was created on April 16, 1889.
  18. 1 2 3 4 5 On February 11, 1870, the Territory of Colorado created Bent County, Colorado Territory, with Las Animas serving as the original county seat for only a few months. Las Animas served as county seat again from 1872 until 1875, when the county seat was moved to West Las Animas. With statehood on August 1, 1876, West Las Animas became the seat of Bent County, Colorado. On September 4, 1886, West Las Animas changed its name to Las Animas, [7] and Las Animas has served as the county seat since.
  19. 1 2 Boggsville served as the seat of Bent County, Colorado Territory from 1870 until 1872.
  20. 1 2 The City and County of Broomfield was consolidated on November 15, 2001.
  21. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 On February 8, 1879, the state changed the name of Lake County, Colorado to Carbonate County for two days. On February 10, 1879, the state split Carbonate County into a new Chaffee County and a re-created Lake County.
  22. 1 2 3 4 In 1868, county voters selected Granite as the new seat of Lake County, Colorado Territory, and after statehood on August 1, 1876, the seat of Lake County, Colorado. On February 8, 1879, the state changed the name of Lake County to Carbonate County for just two days. After two days, the state created Chaffee County, Colorado and designated Granite as the original county seat, serving until 1888.
  23. 1 2 Buena Vista served as the seat of Chaffee County, Colorado from 1888 until 1928.
  24. 1 2 On March 28, 1881, Arkansas changed its name to Salida. [7] Salida has served as the seat of Chaffee County, Colorado since 1928.
  25. 1 2 Cheyenne Wells has been the seat of Cheyenne County, Colorado since the county was created on March 25, 1889.
  26. 1 2 On November 1, 1861, the Territory of Colorado created 17 original counties, with Idaho as the original seat of Clear Creek County, Colorado Territory, serving until 1867. On April 7, 1876, Idaho changed its name to Idaho Springs. [7]
  27. 1 2 In 1867, county voters selected Georgetown as the new seat of Clear Creek County, Colorado Territory, and since statehood on August 1, 1876, the seat of Clear Creek County, Colorado.
  28. 1 2 3 4 Created by the Territory of Colorado as one of its original 17 counties on November 1, 1861, the name of Guadaloupe County was changed to Conejos County after only six days.
  29. 1 2 3 On November 1, 1861, the Territory of Colorado created 17 original counties, with Guadaloupe as the original seat of Guadaloupe County, Colorado Territory. After only six days, the territory changed the name of the county to Conejos County, and Guadaloupe continued to serve as county seat until 1863.
  30. 1 2 In 1863, county voters selected Conejos as the seat of Conejos County, Colorado Territory, and since statehood on August 1, 1876, the seat of Conejos County, Colorado. Conejos is the only remaining unincorporated county seat in Colorado.
  31. 1 2 On November 1, 1861, the Territory of Colorado created 17 original counties, with San Miguel as the original seat of Costilla County, Colorado Territory. When its post office opened on November 13, 1862, the village selected the new name Costilla, perhaps in recognition of its new status. [7] In 1863, county voters decided to move the county seat 17 miles (27 km) north to San Luis. In 1869, a U.S. government survey determined that Costilla was actually located in Taos County, New Mexico Territory. [11] It wasn't until October 21, 1872, that the village post office was officially renamed Costilla, New Mexico Territory. [7]
  32. 1 2 San Luis de la Culebra was settled on April 9, 1851. [17] In 1863, county voters selected San Luis as the new seat of Costilla County, Colorado Territory, and since statehood on August 1, 1876, the seat of Costilla County, Colorado. San Luis is the oldest continuously occupied community in Colorado.
  33. 1 2 Ordway has been the seat of Crowley County, Colorado since the county was created on May 29, 1911.
  34. 1 2 Ula served as the original seat of Custer County, Colorado since the county was created on March 9, 1877, until 1878.
  35. 1 2 Rosita served as the seat of Custer County, Colorado from 1878 until 1886.
  36. 1 2 Silver Cliff served as the seat of Custer County, Colorado from 1886 until 1928.
  37. 1 2 Westcliffe has served as the seat of Custer County, Colorado since 1928.
  38. 1 2 Delta has been the seat of Delta County, Colorado since the county was created on February 11, 1883.
  39. 1 2 Rico served as the original seat of Dolores County, Colorado since the county was created on March 4, 1881, until 1945.
  40. 1 2 Dove Creek has served as the seat of Dolores County, Colorado since 1945.
  41. 1 2 3 4 On November 1, 1861, the Territory of Colorado created 17 original counties, with Frankstown as the original seat of Douglas County, Colorado Territory. In 1864, the county seat and its post office moved 3 miles (5 km) south to the California Ranch stage stop, which took the name Franktown. [7] Franktown served as the county seat until 1874.
  42. 1 2 In 1874, county voters selected Castle Rock as the new seat of Douglas County, Colorado Territory, and since statehood on August 1, 1876, the seat of Douglas County, Colorado.
  43. 1 2 Red Cliff served as the original seat of Eagle County, Colorado since the county was created on February 11, 1883, until 1921. Red Cliff changed its name to Redcliff on February 7, 1895; then changed it back to Red Cliff on April 1, 1979. [7]
  44. 1 2 Castle changed its name to Eagle on September 3, 1891. [7] Eagle has served as the seat of Eagle County, Colorado since 1921.
  45. 1 2 In 1873, county voters selected Colorado Springs as the new seat of El Paso County, Colorado Territory, and since statehood on August 1, 1876, the seat of El Paso County, Colorado.
  46. 1 2 On February 2, 1874, the Territory of Colorado created Elbert County, Colorado Territory, with Kiowa as the county seat, and since statehood on August 1, 1876, the seat of Elbert County, Colorado.
  47. 1 2 On November 1, 1861, the new Territory of Colorado created 17 original counties, with Cañon City as the seat of Fremont County, Colorado Territory, and since statehood on August 1, 1876, the seat of Fremont County, Colorado. Cañon City has also been spelled Canon City and Canyon City. [7]
  48. 1 2 Carbonate served as the original seat of Garfield County, Colorado for several months after the county was created on February 10, 1883.
  49. 1 2 On June 25, 1883, Defiance changed its name to Barlow, and several months later, county voters selected Barlow as the new seat of Garfield County, Colorado. On March 28, 1884, Barlow changed its name to Glenwood Springs, [7] and Glenwood Springs continues to serve as county seat.
  50. 1 2 3 Hot Sulphur Springs served as the original seat of Grand County, Colorado Territory since the county was created on February 2, 1874, and with statehood on August 1, 1876, the seat of Grand County, Colorado until 1882 and then again from 1888 to present. On June 26, 1894, Hot Sulphur Springs changed its name to Sulphur Springs, then changed it back to Hot Sulphur Springs on February 15, 1912. [7]
  51. 1 2 Grand Lake served as the seat of Grand County, Colorado from 1882 until 1888. On June 30, 1895, Grand Lake changed its name to Grandlake; then changed it back to Grand Lake on April 1, 1938. [7]
  52. 1 2 Greenwood County, Colorado Territory existed for the four years from February 11, 1870, until February 6, 1874.
  53. 1 2 Kit Carson served as the seat of Greenwood County, Colorado Territory for the four years it existed from February 11, 1870, until February 6, 1874.
  54. 1 2 Gunnison has been the seat of Gunnison County, Colorado since the county was created on March 9, 1877.
  55. 1 2 San Juan City served as the original seat of Hinsdale County, Colorado Territory since the county was created on February 10, 1874, until 1875. On June 4, 1874, San Juan City officially shortened its name to San Juan, although it was still commonly known as San Juan City. [7]
  56. 1 2 In 1875, county voters selected Lake City as the new seat of Hinsdale County, Colorado Territory, and since statehood on August 1, 1876, the seat of Hinsdale County, Colorado.
  57. 1 2 On November 1, 1861, the Territory of Colorado created 17 original counties, with Autobees Plaza as the original seat of Huerfano County, Colorado Territory, serving until 1868.
  58. 1 2 On September 12, 1865, Little Orphan changed its name to Badito. [7] Badito served as the seat of Huerfano County, Colorado Territory from 1868 until 1874.
  59. 1 2 In 1874, county voters selected Walsenburgh as the new seat of Huerfano County, Colorado Territory, and since statehood on August 1, 1876, the seat of Huerfano County, Colorado. On October 20, 1887, Walsenburgh changed its name to Tourist; then changed it back Walsenburgh on November 29, 1887; then shortened it to Walsenburg on December 22, 1892. [7]
  60. 1 2 Walden has been the seat of Jackson County, Colorado since the county was created on May 5, 1909.
  61. 1 2 On September 20, 1887, Bee changed its name to Sheridan Lake; then changed it back to Bee on October 15, 1887; then changed it back again to Sheridan Lake on October 27, 1887. [7] Sheridan Lake served as the original seat of Kiowa County, Colorado since the county was created on April 11, 1889, until 1902.
  62. 1 2 Eads has served as the seat of Kiowa County, Colorado since 1902.
  63. 1 2 Burlington has been the seat of Kit Carson County, Colorado since the county was created on April 11, 1889.
  64. 1 2 Howardsville served as the original seat of La Plata County, Colorado Territory since the county was created on February 10, 1874, until January 31, 1876.
  65. 1 2 On January 31, 1876, county voters selected Parrott City as the new seat of La Plata County, Colorado Territory, and after statehood on August 1, 1876, the seat of La Plata County, Colorado until 1881.
  66. 1 2 Durango has served as the seat of La Plata County, Colorado since 1881.
  67. 1 2 On November 1, 1861, the Territory of Colorado created 17 original counties, with Oro City as the original seat of Lake County, Colorado Territory, serving until 1866.
  68. 1 2 Dayton served as the seat of Lake County, Colorado Territory from 1866 until 1868.
  69. 1 2 Leadville has served as the seat of Lake County, Colorado since it was re-created on February 10, 1879.
  70. 1 2 In 1868, county voters selected Fort Collins as the new seat of Larimer County, Colorado Territory, and since statehood on August 1, 1876, the seat of Larimer County, Colorado.
  71. 1 2 On February 9, 1866, the Territory of Colorado created Las Animas County, Colorado Territory with Trinidad as its seat until statehood on August 1, 1876, when it became the seat of Las Animas County, Colorado.
  72. 1 2 Hugo has been the seat of Lincoln County, Colorado since the county was created on April 11, 1889.
  73. 1 2 Sterling has been the seat of Logan County, Colorado since the county was created on February 25, 1887.
  74. 1 2 On May 26, 1882, Ute changed its name to Grand Junction. [7] Grand Junction has been the seat of Mesa County, Colorado since the county was created on February 11, 1883.
  75. 1 2 Wason served eight months as the original seat of Mineral County, Colorado, from the creation of the county on March 27, 1893, until November 7 that year.
  76. 1 2 On November 7, 1893, county voters selected Amethyst as the new seat of Mineral County, Colorado. On February 2, 1909, Amethyst changed its name to Creede. [7] Creede has continued to serve as county seat.
  77. 1 2 On August 28, 1889, Yampa changed its name to Craig. [7] Craig has been the seat of Moffat County, Colorado since the county was created on February 27, 1911.
  78. 1 2 Cortez has been the seat of Montezuma County, Colorado since the county was created on April 16, 1889.
  79. 1 2 Montrose has been the seat of Montrose County, Colorado since the county was created on February 11, 1883.
  80. 1 2 Fort Morgan has been the seat of Morgan County, Colorado since the county was created on February 19, 1889.
  81. 1 2 La Junta has been the seat of Otero County, Colorado since the county was created on March 25, 1889.
  82. 1 2 3 4 5 The name of Ouray County, Colorado was changed to Uncompahgre County for the three days from February 27 to March 2, 1883.
  83. 1 2 3 Ouray has been the seat of Ouray County, Colorado since the county was created on January 18, 1877, although the name of the county was changed to Uncompahgre County for the three days from February 27 to March 2, 1883.
  84. 1 2 On January 7, 1862, county voters selected Laurette as the new seat of Park County, Colorado Territory. On December 21, 1865, Laurette changed its name to Buckskin, commonly known as Buckskin Joe. [7] Buckskin Joe served as county seat until November 7, 1867.
  85. 1 2 On November 7, 1867, county voters selected Fair Play as the new seat of Park County, Colorado Territory, and since statehood on August 1, 1876, the seat of Park County, Colorado. On October 1, 1924, Fair Play changed its name to Fairplay, [7] and has continued to serve as county seat.
  86. 1 2 Holyoke has been the seat of Phillips County, Colorado since the county was created on March 27, 1889.
  87. 1 2 Aspen has been the seat of Pitkin County, Colorado since the county was created on February 23, 1881.
  88. 1 2 Lamar has been the seat of Prowers County, Colorado since the county was created on April 11, 1889.
  89. 1 2 Meeker has been the seat of Rio Blanco County, Colorado since the county was created on March 25, 1889.
  90. 1 2 On February 10, 1874, the Territory of Colorado created Rio Grande County, Colorado Territory with Del Norte as the original county seat, until statehood on August 1, 1876, when Del Norte became the seat of Rio Grande County, Colorado.
  91. 1 2 On January 29, 1877, the state created Routt County, Colorado and designated Hayden as the original county seat. Hayden served as county seat until 1878.
  92. 1 2 Hahns Peak served as the seat of Routt County, Colorado from 1878 until 1912.
  93. 1 2 Steamboat Springs has served as the seat of Routt County, Colorado since 1912.
  94. 1 2 3 4 The name "Saguache" is pronounced /səˈwæ/ . This name comes from the Ute language noun "sawup" /səˈwʌp/ meaning "sand dunes". The Spanish language version of this name is usually spelled "Saguache", while the English language version is usually spelled "Sawatch". [16]
  95. 1 2 On December 29, 1866, the Territory of Colorado created Saguache County, Colorado Territory with Saguache as the county seat, and since statehood on August 1, 1876, the seat of Saguache County, Colorado.
  96. 1 2 On January 31, 1876, the Territory of Colorado created San Juan County, Colorado Territory with Silverton as the county seat, and since statehood on August 1 of that year, the seat of San Juan County, Colorado.
  97. 1 2 On July 26, 1880, Columbia changed its name to Telluride. [7] Telluride has been the seat of San Miguel County, Colorado since the county was created on March 2, 1883.
  98. 1 2 On May 26, 1886, Denver Junction changed its name to Julesburg. [7] Julesburg has been the seat of Sedgwick County, Colorado since the county was created on April 9, 1889.
  99. 1 2 On November 1, 1861, the Territory of Colorado created 17 original counties, with Parkville as the original seat of Summit County, Colorado Territory. Parkville served as county seat until the following year.
  100. 1 2 Fremont changed its name to Morland on December 9, 1891; then changed it back to Fremont on February 4, 1892; then changed it to Cripple Creek on June 20, 1892. [7] Cripple Creek has been the seat of Teller County, Colorado since the county was created on March 23, 1899.
  101. 1 2 Akron has been the seat of Washington County, Colorado since the county was created on February 9, 1887.
  102. 1 2 On November 25, 1863, Cherokee City changed its name to Latham. [7] Latham served as the seat of Weld County, Colorado Territory from 1868 until 1870.
  103. 1 2 3 Evans served as the seat of Weld County, Colorado Territory from 1870 until 1874 and again from 1875 until statehood on August 1, 1876, when it became the seat of Weld County, Colorado until the following year.
  104. 1 2 3 Greeley served as the seat of Weld County, Colorado Territory from 1874 until 1875. Greeley has served as the seat of Weld County, Colorado since 1877.
  105. 1 2 Yuma served as the original seat of Yuma County, Colorado from the creation of the county on March 15, 1889, until 1902.
  106. 1 2 Wray has served as the seat of Yuma County, Colorado since 1902.

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Adams County is a county located in the U.S. state of Colorado. As of the 2020 census, the population was 519,572. The county seat is Brighton, and the largest city is Thornton. The county is named for Alva Adams, an early Governor of the State of Colorado in 1887–1889. Adams County is part of the Denver–Aurora–Lakewood, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bent County, Colorado</span> County in Colorado, United States

Bent County is a county located in the U.S. state of Colorado. As of the 2020 census, the population was 5,650. The county seat and only incorporated municipality is Las Animas. The county is named in honor of frontier trader William Bent.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arapahoe County, Colorado</span> County in Colorado, United States

Arapahoe County is a county located in the U.S. state of Colorado. As of the 2020 census, its population was 655,070, making it the third-most populous county in Colorado. The county seat is Littleton, and the most populous city is Aurora. The county was named for the Arapaho Native American tribe, who once lived in the region.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Colorado Territory</span> Historic region of the US, 1861 to 1876

The Territory of Colorado was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from February 28, 1861, until August 1, 1876, when it was admitted to the Union as the State of Colorado.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jefferson Territory</span> Extralegal U.S. Territory of Jefferson that existed from 1859 to 1861

The Provisional Government of the Territory of Jefferson was an extralegal and unrecognized United States territory that existed in the Pike's Peak mining region from October 24, 1859, until it yielded to the new Territory of Colorado on June 6, 1861. The Jefferson Territory, named for Founding Father and third United States president Thomas Jefferson, included land officially part of the Kansas Territory, the Nebraska Territory, the New Mexico Territory, the Utah Territory, and the Washington Territory, but the region was remote from the governments of those five territories.

Jefferson County was a county of the extralegal United States Territory of Jefferson that existed from November 28, 1859, until February 28, 1861. Its territory covered a broad swath surrounding the region of the Pike's Peak Gold Rush, and was a functioning democratically elected government until the organization of the Territory of Colorado in 1861. At that time, the successor Jefferson County was permanently created, taking its name from its predecessor and incorporating the heart of its territory.

Arapahoe County was a county of Kansas Territory in the United States that existed from August 25, 1855, until Kansas's admission into the Union on January 29, 1861.

Arapahoe County was a county of the extralegal United States Territory of Jefferson that existed from November 28, 1859, until February 28, 1861. The county name was also spelled Arapaho County, Arapahoe County, Arrapahoe County, and Arappahoe County. The county seat was Denver City.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Outline of Colorado</span> Overview of and topical guide to Colorado

The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to the U.S. state of Colorado:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1876 Colorado gubernatorial election</span>

The 1876 Colorado gubernatorial election took place on October 3, 1876, to elect the 1st Governor of Colorado after the state was admitted to the union on August 1, 1876. Republican John Long Routt, last governor of the Colorado Territory, was elected in a close race against Democratic nominee Bela M. Hughes.

References

  1. 1 2 Frederic L. Paxson (1906). Francis Ramaley (ed.). "The Territory of Jefferson: A Spontaneous Commonwealth". The University of Colorado Studies: General Series A. Boulder, Colorado: University of Colorado. 3: 15–18. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 "An Act Defining the Boundaries of Counties and for other purposes". Provisional Laws and Joint Resolutions of the General Assembly of Jefferson Territory. General Assembly of the Provisional Government of the Territory of Jefferson. November 28, 1859. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  3. 1 2 3 Thirty-sixth United States Congress (February 28, 1861). "An Act To provide a temporary Government for the Territory of Colorado" (PDF). Library of Congress . Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  4. 1 2 3 "Colorado County History". COGenWeb Project. April 29, 2011. Archived from the original on July 23, 2008. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
  5. 1 2 3 Stanwyck, Don (2003). "Colorado County Evolution". COGenWeb Project. Archived from the original on February 5, 2007. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
  6. Ulysses S. Grant (August 1, 1876). "Proclamation 230—Admission of Colorado into the Union". The American Presidency Project. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Bauer, William H.; Ozment, James L.; Willard, John H. (1990). Colorado Post Offices 1859-1989. Golden, Colorado: Colorado Railroad Historical Foundation. ISBN   0-918654-42-4.
  8. Dawson, John Frank (1954). "Breckenridge". Place Names in Colorado: Why 700 Communities Were So Named. p. 11. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
  9. "Town History, Gold Dust to White Gold". Special Features. Town of Breckenridge. Archived from the original on 2007-02-09. Retrieved 2007-02-23.
  10. "Annexation of Colorado City". Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum. Retrieved November 4, 2023.
  11. Rosso, Mike (November 1, 2010). "Lines in the sand". Colorado Central Magazine. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  12. "The Model of Auraria-Denver of 1860" (PDF). The Colorado Magazine . Colorado Historical Society. July 1935. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  13. "To Charter and Consolidate the Towns of Denver, Auraria and Highland". Provisional Laws and Joint Resolutions of the General Assembly of Jefferson Territory. General Assembly of the Provisional Government of the Territory of Jefferson. December 3, 1859. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  14. "An Act Defining the Boundaries of Counties and for other purposes". Provisional Laws and Joint Resolutions of the General Assembly of Jefferson Territory. General Assembly of the Territory of Jefferson. November 28, 1859. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  15. "Active Colorado Municipalities". State of Colorado, Department of Local Affairs, Division of Local Government. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  16. Merkl, Dameon (February 26, 2013), "What's in a Colorado name pronunciation?", The Denver Post , retrieved March 7, 2013
  17. "Colorado celebrates the anniversary of its oldest town, San Luis". History Colorado. April 1, 2015. Retrieved August 27, 2022.

38°59′50″N105°32′52″W / 38.9972°N 105.5478°W / 38.9972; -105.5478 (State of Colorado)