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The Capital of Colorado

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Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite
The Colorado State Capitol building, seen from atop the downtown Sheraton hotel. Dec. 29, 2023.
State capital capers

In the early years, Colorado’s capital moved around the map a lot. During and after the Civil War, Colorado territory’s legislature, governor, and supreme court met intermittently in Colorado City (now Colorado Springs), then in Golden, then in what was called Denver City.

After statehood, the constitution called for the matter to be settled by vote in 1881. Towns across the state resented the political, economic, and social dominance of Denver, and they made their pitch to the people. Salida trumpeted its virtues in newspapers. Cañon City held two conventions to coordinate its own anti-Denver movement. Del Norte stepped up. But in the end, more than 30,000 Coloradans voted for Denver – five times more than voted for the second-place contender, Pueblo.


About Colorado Postcards

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.