Colorado Flashcards
(205 cards)
1
Q
What is Colorado’s nickname?
A
The Centennial State
Colorado is nicknamed the ‘Centennial State’ because it became a state 100 years after the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence.
2
Q
What is the motto of Colorado?
A
Nil sine numine
The English translation is ‘Nothing without providence’.
3
Q
What is the capital and largest city of Colorado?
A
Denver
4
Q
When was Colorado admitted to the Union?
A
August 1, 1876
5
Q
What is the total area of Colorado?
A
104,185 sq mi (269,837 km²)
6
Q
What is the highest elevation in Colorado?
A
14,440 ft (4,401.2 m) - Mount Elbert
7
Q
What is the estimated population of Colorado as of July 1, 2024?
A
5,957,493
8
Q
What is the official language of Colorado?
A
English
9
Q
Which county is the largest in Colorado?
A
El Paso
10
Q
What is the median household income in Colorado as of 2023?
A
$92,900
11
Q
What is Colorado’s state animal?
A
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep
12
Q
What is the state flower of Colorado?
A
Rocky Mountain columbine
13
Q
Fill in the blank: The Spanish adjective ‘colorado’ means ‘_______’ or ‘ruddy’.
A
colored red
14
Q
True or False: The Ute Nation inhabited the mountain valleys of the Southern Rocky Mountains.
A
True
15
Q
What major event led to an influx of settlers to Colorado in the 1860s?
A
The Pike’s Peak Gold Rush
16
Q
What was the name of the provisional government formed by gold seekers in 1859?
A
Provisional Government of the Territory of Jefferson
17
Q
Which treaty annexed much of the Nuevo México region to the United States?
A
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
18
Q
What year did the Territory of Colorado get organized?
A
1861
19
Q
What is the primary economic sector affected by climate change in Colorado?
A
Agriculture, forestry, and tourism
20
Q
What is the state sport of Colorado during summer?
A
Pack burro racing
21
Q
What geological feature is a significant part of Colorado’s landscape?
A
Southern Rocky Mountains
22
Q
What is the population density of Colorado in 2024?
A
56.25/sq mi (21.72/km²)
23
Q
What is the time zone of Colorado?
A
UTC−07:00 (MST)
24
Q
What is the state gemstone of Colorado?
A
Aquamarine
25
What event is now known as the Sand Creek massacre?
The action condemned by Army inquiries, where perpetrators were never punished despite Governor Evans' resignation request.
## Footnote
The Sand Creek massacre involved the killing of a peaceful village of Cheyenne and Arapaho people in 1864.
26
When was silver first discovered near Argentine Pass?
September 14, 1864
## Footnote
This discovery marked the beginning of silver strikes in Colorado.
27
What significant event occurred on May 10, 1869?
The Union Pacific Railroad linked with the Central Pacific Railroad at Promontory Summit, forming the First transcontinental railroad.
## Footnote
This event marked a major milestone in American transportation.
28
What discovery triggered the Colorado Silver Boom?
A major silver lode near Leadville in 1878.
## Footnote
This led to a surge in silver mining activity in Colorado.
29
What act invigorated silver mining in 1890?
The Sherman Silver Purchase Act.
## Footnote
This act mandated the U.S. government to purchase silver, boosting the industry.
30
When did Colorado women gain the right to vote?
November 7, 1893.
## Footnote
Colorado was the second state to grant universal suffrage and the first by popular vote.
31
What event led to a collapse of Colorado's mining and agricultural economy?
The repeal of the Sherman Silver Purchase Act in 1893.
## Footnote
This economic downturn was significant but led to a slow recovery over time.
32
What was the 'Carnation Gold Rush'?
A period between the 1880s and 1930s when Denver's floriculture industry developed into a major industry.
## Footnote
This contributed to the economic landscape of Colorado.
33
What was the Ludlow Massacre?
An incident during the Colorado Coalfield War in 1914 where a dozen women and children were killed.
## Footnote
It was a significant event in labor history in Colorado.
34
What organization achieved dominance in Colorado politics in 1924?
The Ku Klux Klan Colorado Realm.
## Footnote
Its influence extended over both major political parties in the state.
35
What was the impact of the Great Depression on Colorado?
Colorado suffered greatly but experienced a recovery following World War II.
## Footnote
Immigration and tourism became key economic drivers post-war.
36
What significant event occurred on September 11, 1957, at the Rocky Flats Plant?
A plutonium fire that contaminated surrounding areas.
## Footnote
This incident raised concerns about nuclear safety and environmental contamination.
37
What was the first state to loosen abortion restrictions?
Colorado in 1967.
## Footnote
The law allowed abortions in cases of rape, incest, or threats to the woman's health.
38
What major mass shooting occurred at Columbine High School?
In 1999, two gunmen killed 12 students and one teacher.
## Footnote
This incident had a profound impact on school safety and gun laws in the U.S.
39
What is the highest peak in Colorado?
Mount Elbert at 14,440 feet (4,401.2 m).
## Footnote
It is also the highest summit of the Rocky Mountains.
40
What defines the borders of the Colorado Territory?
Lines of latitude and longitude.
## Footnote
Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah are the only states with borders defined solely by straight lines.
41
What is the significance of the Four Corners Monument?
It is the only place in the U.S. where four states meet: Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah.
## Footnote
Coordinates are 36°59′56″N, 109°2′43″W.
42
What percentage of Colorado's population resides in the Front Range Urban Corridor?
Approximately 70%.
## Footnote
This area includes major cities such as Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs.
43
What are 'fourteeners' in Colorado?
Peaks that are 14,000 feet (4,267 m) or higher.
## Footnote
Colorado has 58 named fourteeners.
44
Where does the Western Slope of Colorado lie?
To the west of the Continental Divide.
## Footnote
This area includes several terrains from alpine mountains to arid deserts.
45
What river drains the Western Slope of Colorado?
The Colorado River and its tributaries.
## Footnote
Important tributaries include the Gunnison River and Green River.
46
What is the Dinosaur National Monument known for?
A paleontological area and a scenic area of rocky hills, canyons, arid desert, and streambeds.
47
Which river briefly crosses into Colorado?
The Green River.
48
What rivers drain the Western Slope of Colorado?
* Colorado River
* Gunnison River
* Green River
* San Juan River
49
What is the largest city on the Western Slope?
Grand Junction.
50
What is significant about Grand Junction's location?
It is at the confluence of the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers.
51
What are the major highways in western Colorado?
* Interstate 70
* US 50
52
Which major railroad runs through Grand Junction?
Union Pacific.
53
Which passenger train crosses the Rocky Mountains between Denver and Grand Junction?
Amtrak's California Zephyr.
54
Name some notable ski resorts in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.
* Aspen
* Breckenridge
* Vail
* Crested Butte
* Steamboat Springs
* Telluride
55
Which universities are located in and near the Western Slope?
* Colorado Mesa University
* Western Colorado University
* Fort Lewis College
* Colorado Mountain College
56
What does the Four Corners Monument mark?
The common boundary of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah.
57
What is the climate type of the Eastern Plains in Colorado?
Semi-arid (Köppen climate classification: BSk).
58
What is the average annual precipitation in the Eastern Plains?
15 to 25 inches (380 to 640 millimeters).
59
What weather phenomenon is common in the Eastern Plains during the summer?
Thunderstorms.
60
What is the snowiest month in much of Colorado?
March.
61
Fill in the blank: The Front Range urban corridor is in a pronounced precipitation _______.
shadow.
62
What type of climate can be found just west of the plains in Colorado?
A wide variety of climate types, including semi-arid and alpine climates.
63
True or False: Colorado experiences a significant amount of seismic activity.
False.
64
What was the highest official ambient air temperature recorded in Colorado?
115 °F (46.1 °C) on July 20, 2019.
65
What was the lowest official air temperature recorded in Colorado?
−61 °F (−51.7 °C) on February 1, 1985.
66
What are the three largest fires in Colorado history?
* Pine Gulch Fire
* Cameron Peak Fire
* East Troublesome Fire
67
What is the average annual precipitation for Colorado?
17 inches (430 millimeters).
68
What is one effect of climate change in Colorado?
Increased risk of wildfires.
69
What is the average January temperature in Denver?
18 °F (−8 °C) in the morning and 48 °F (9 °C) in the afternoon.
70
What are some notable floods in Colorado's history?
* 1965 Denver Flood
* Big Thompson River flooding of 1976
* 2013 Colorado floods
71
Which areas of Colorado are prone to tornadoes?
The Eastern Plains.
72
What is the significance of the U.S. National Earthquake Information Center?
It is located in Golden, Colorado.
73
How many recorded earthquakes of magnitude 2.5 or higher has Colorado experienced since 1867?
700.
74
What was the magnitude of the largest earthquake recorded in Colorado?
6.6
## Footnote
Recorded in 1882.
75
How many recorded earthquakes were there in Colorado as of June 2020?
525
## Footnote
Since 1973.
76
What was the range of magnitudes for the minor earthquakes that rattled Colorado on August 24, 2018?
2.9 to 4.3
77
When was the last wild gray wolf shot in Colorado?
1945
78
In what year did Coloradans vote to reintroduce gray wolves?
2020
79
What species was declared a native species in Colorado in 1993 despite being introduced?
Mountain goat
80
What was the estimated pronghorn population in Colorado by 2019?
85,000
81
Which common wildlife species is not native to Colorado?
Moose
82
What is the highest court in Colorado?
Colorado Supreme Court
83
Who is the current Governor of Colorado?
Jared Polis
84
What party does the current Attorney General of Colorado belong to?
Democratic
85
How many members are in the Colorado House of Representatives?
65
86
What percentage of registered voters in Colorado were unaffiliated as of January 1, 2025?
48.59%
87
True or False: Colorado has become a relatively safe blue state in both state and federal elections since the late 2010s.
True
88
What significant law did Colorado enact by voter referendum in 1893?
Extending suffrage to women
89
What amendment allowed for the personal use of marijuana in Colorado?
Amendment 64
90
Fill in the blank: Colorado became the first state to accept _______ via its myColorado app.
digital ID
91
What is the most populous county in Colorado?
El Paso County
92
How many counties are there in the state of Colorado?
64
93
Which county has the city of Colorado Springs as its seat?
El Paso County
94
What year did Colorado voters reject a referendum proposal to fund the 1976 Winter Olympics?
1972
95
Who are the two U.S. Senators representing Colorado as of 2023?
John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet
96
What was the ruling in Romer v. Evans regarding Amendment 2?
Preventing protected status based upon homosexuality or bisexuality did not satisfy the Equal Protection Clause.
97
What is the estimated population of the City and County of Denver as of 2023?
716,577
98
What is the main legislative body in Colorado?
Colorado General Assembly
99
What is a significant feature of Colorado's government structure?
Three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial
100
How many active incorporated municipalities does Colorado have?
273
101
What percentage of Colorado residents lived in municipalities according to the 2020 census?
74.47%
102
What is the most populous municipality in Colorado?
City and County of Denver
103
What types of municipal governing authorities exist in Colorado?
* Consolidated city and county governments
* Home rule cities
* Statutory cities
* Home rule towns
* Statutory towns
104
What percentage of Colorado municipalities have more than 100,000 residents?
12 municipalities
105
Which municipality is the most populous on the Colorado Western Slope?
City of Grand Junction
106
What is the population of the City and County of Denver as of 2023?
716,577
107
Fill in the blank: The Town of _______ has had no year-round population since the 1890 census.
Carbonate
108
What is the most populous unincorporated community in Colorado?
Highlands Ranch
109
How many unincorporated census-designated places (CDPs) are in Colorado?
210
110
List the ten most populous census-designated places in Colorado.
* Highlands Ranch CDP
* Security-Widefield CDP
* Dakota Ridge CDP
* Ken Caryl CDP
* Pueblo West CDP
* Columbine CDP
* Four Square Mile CDP
* Clifton CDP
* Cimarron Hills CDP
* Sherrelwood CDP
111
How many special districts are there in Colorado?
More than 4,000
112
What is the purpose of special districts in Colorado?
* Provide schools
* Law enforcement
* Fire protection
* Water
* Sewage
* Drainage
* Irrigation
* Transportation
* Recreation
* Infrastructure
* Cultural facilities
* Business support
* Redevelopment
113
True or False: The Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) has a property tax rate of 0.1%.
False
114
What is the retail sales and uses tax rate for the SCFD?
0.1%
115
What percentage of SCFD funding goes to Tier I organizations?
65.5%
116
What is the population of the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood Metropolitan Statistical Area according to the 2020 census?
2,963,821
117
What was Colorado's estimated population on July 1, 2023?
5,877,610
118
Fill in the blank: The racial composition of Colorado in 2020 showed that _______ made up 65.1% of the population.
White
119
What is the percentage of Hispanic or Latino residents in Colorado as of the 2020 census?
21.9%
120
What was the percentage of White (including White Hispanics) in Colorado's racial demographics in 1970?
95.7%
121
Which ancestry groups were the largest in Colorado according to the 2000 census?
* German (22%)
* Mexican (18%)
* Irish (12%)
* English (12%)
122
How has the Hispanic population in Colorado changed from 1940 to 2019?
Grew from 8.2% to 22%
123
What is the birth rate in Colorado as of 2006?
14.6 per thousand
124
How many Ute reservations are there in Colorado?
Two
125
Which countries are the majority of Colorado's immigrants from?
Mexico, India, China, Vietnam, Korea, Germany, Canada
126
What was the birth rate in Colorado in 2006?
14.6 per thousand
127
In 2007, what percentage of all births in Colorado involved non-Hispanic Whites?
59.1%
128
What percentage of births in Colorado involved at least one Hispanic person?
43%
129
As of the 2010 census, what is the percentage of Hispanics in Colorado?
20.7%
130
What is Colorado's rank in terms of the percentage of Mexican-Americans?
6th
131
What was the percentage of Colorado's population younger than one who were minorities in 2011?
46%
132
What was Colorado's fertility rate in 2017?
1.63 children per woman
133
What is the second most commonly spoken language in Colorado?
Spanish
134
What percentage of Colorado's population identified as Protestant in 2022?
39%
135
What percentage of Colorado's population identified as Catholic in 2022?
19%
136
What was the life expectancy of Colorado residents in 2014?
80.21 years
137
How many homeless people were estimated to be in Colorado according to HUD's 2022 report?
10,397
138
What was Colorado's total employment in 2019?
2,473,192
139
What was Colorado's median annual household income in 2016?
$70,666
140
What is Colorado's income tax rate?
4.63%
141
How much did tourism contribute to Colorado's economy in 2018?
$22.3 billion
142
What is the state's unemployment rate as of December 2018?
4.2%
143
What significant agricultural products are produced in Colorado?
* Cattle
* Wheat
* Dairy products
* Corn
* Hay
144
Fill in the blank: Colorado has significant ________ resources.
hydrocarbon
145
True or False: Colorado has the largest annual production of beer in any state.
True
146
What is the estimated amount of oil contained in Colorado's oil shale deposits?
1 trillion barrels
147
What significant hydrocarbon resources does Colorado have?
Colorado hosts seven of the largest natural gas fields and two of the largest oil fields in the U.S.
148
What percentage of annual U.S. natural gas production does Colorado's output account for?
More than five percent.
149
How many estimated barrels of oil do Colorado's oil shale deposits hold?
1 trillion barrels.
150
What is Colorado's rank in terms of uranium reserves among U.S. states?
Third largest.
151
Which states have larger uranium reserves than Colorado?
* Wyoming
* New Mexico
152
When did uranium mining begin in Colorado?
1872.
153
What significant event prompted a revival of uranium mining in Colorado?
Uranium price increases from 2001 to 2007.
154
As of 2016, how many major uranium mining operations were in Colorado?
None.
155
What types of renewable energy does Colorado have the potential to generate?
* Wind power
* Geothermal power
* Solar power
* Hydroelectric power
156
Name a few films shot on location in Colorado.
* True Grit
* The Searchers
* Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
* Dumb and Dumber
157
What is Boulder known for in terms of cuisine?
America's Foodiest Town 2010.
158
What is the significance of the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen?
It is held annually each June.
159
What types of wines are produced in Colorado?
* Traditional Vitis vinifera grapes
* Wines made from cherries, peaches, plums, and honey
160
What nickname is given to the area of northern Colorado known for craft breweries?
Napa Valley of Beer.
161
In what year did Colorado legalize marijuana for recreational use?
2012.
162
What are the limits for medical use of marijuana in Colorado?
* No more than 2 ounces of usable marijuana
* No more than twelve marijuana plants
163
What are the eight medical conditions for which patients can use marijuana in Colorado?
* Cancer
* Glaucoma
* HIV/AIDS
* Muscle spasms
* Seizures
* Severe pain
* Severe nausea
* Cachexia or dramatic weight loss
164
What is the primary mode of transportation in Colorado?
Highway system.
165
What is the significance of Denver International Airport?
Third-busiest domestic U.S. and international airport by passenger traffic.
166
What are the two passenger rail lines operated by Amtrak in Colorado?
* California Zephyr
* Southwest Chief
167
What is the first institution of higher education in Colorado?
Colorado Seminary.
168
What year was the University of Colorado founded?
1876.
169
What are the two remaining Native American reservations in Colorado?
* Southern Ute Indian Reservation
* Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reservation
170
Name a major military installation in Colorado.
* Fort Carson
* Peterson Space Force Base
* United States Air Force Academy
171
Which college became Colorado State University in 1957?
Colorado State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts.
172
What was the operational period of Fort Massachusetts?
1852–1858
173
When was Fort Garland active?
1858–1883
174
What U.S. Army installation was active from 1862 to 1870?
Camp Collins
175
What is the operational period of Fort Logan?
1887–1946
176
What was the Colorado National Guard Armory's active years?
1913–1933
177
When did Fitzsimons Army Hospital operate?
1918–1999
178
What is the operational period of Denver Medical Depot?
1925–1949
179
When was Lowry Air Force Base in operation?
1938–1994
180
What were the active years of Pueblo Army Air Base?
1941–1948
181
What U.S. Army facility operated from 1942 to 1992?
Rocky Mountain Arsenal
182
Pueblo Chemical Depot is set to operate until what year?
2024
183
What is the operational period of Camp Hale?
1942–1945
184
When was La Junta Army Air Field active?
1942–1946
185
What years did Leadville Army Air Field operate?
1943–1944
186
How many national parks are located in Colorado?
4
187
List the types of protected areas in Colorado.
* National parks
* National monuments
* National historic sites
* National recreation areas
* National historic trails
* National scenic trail
* National forests
* National grasslands
* National wildernesses
* National conservation areas
* National wildlife refuges
* National heritage areas
* National historic landmarks
* National natural landmarks
* Wild and scenic river
* State parks
* State wildlife areas
* State natural areas
* National recreation trails
* National Register of Historic Places
* Regional trails
188
What is the name of the baseball club based in Colorado?
Colorado Rockies
189
Where do the Denver Broncos play?
Empower Field at Mile High
190
Which arena is home to the Denver Nuggets?
Ball Arena
191
What is the name of the soccer team based in Commerce City?
Colorado Rapids
192
True or False: Colorado is the least populous state with a franchise in each of the major professional sports leagues.
True
193
What is the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb?
A major hill climbing motor race held on the Pikes Peak Highway
194
Which golf club has hosted the U.S. Open and other major tournaments?
Cherry Hills Country Club
195
What year did the Colorado Avalanche play their first game?
October 6, 1995
196
What league does the Colorado Eagles belong to?
American Hockey League
197
When did the Colorado Mammoth start playing?
January 3, 2003
198
Which team represents Colorado in Major League Soccer?
Colorado Rapids
199
What is the first game date for the Denver Broncos?
September 9, 1960
200
What is the first game date for the Denver Nuggets?
September 27, 1967
201
What university does the Air Force Falcons represent?
United States Air Force Academy
202
Which university's athletic program is part of the Big 12 conference?
University of Colorado Boulder
203
Fill in the blank: The Colorado State Rams represent _______.
Colorado State University
204
Which team is based in Greeley?
Northern Colorado Bears
205
What is the name of the college athletic team representing Colorado College?
Colorado College Tigers
