1876 was an election year, and Colorado’s admittance to the union would have political consequences. As a “publication of note” back east put it: "There is something repulsive in the idea that a few handfuls of miners and reckless bushwhackers should have the same representation in the Senate as Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York."
By the time Colorado officially became a state, they could not organize a presidential election for Coloradans. Instead, the new state legislature, with a slim Republican majority, chose the state’s allotted 3 electors. And they all picked the Republican, Rutherford B. Hayes – who lost the popular vote, but won the Electoral College – 185 to 184. To date, it’s the last time any state chose electors through its state legislature, rather than giving miners, bushwhackers and all other voters the final say.
About Colorado Postcards
Colorado Postcards are snapshots of our colorful state in sound. They give brief insights into our people and places, our flora and fauna, and our past and present, from every corner of Colorado.
