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Clockwise from top left: Elias Ammon, Teller Ammon, Alva “B” Adams, Billy Adams and Alva Adams.

Colorado’s gubernatorial families

By Colorado Public Radio Staff
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The state’s highest mountain takes its name from the Colorado territory’s sixth governor Samuel Elbert. He was son-in-law to disgraced territorial governor, John Evans — whose role in the Sand Creek massacre forced him to resign. But that wasn't the only time the state's highest office was the family business. Elias Ammons served a term a hundred years ago. His son Teller served 2 decades later as Colorado's first native-born governor. And then there's the Adams family. Brothers Alva and Billy Adams each had three gubernatorial terms. Adams County is named for Billy. Alva got his name on Adams State University in Alamosa. His son Alva “B” Adams never made it to the governor’s mansion, but served twice in the US Senate and got his name on a water diversion tunnel under Rocky Mountain National Park.

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