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.
Territory of Jefferson
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. On November 28, 1859, the territory established 12 counties which served as the de facto local government. 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. 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
- Arapahoe County†
- Denver City (Territorial capital August 24, 1859, to November 13, 1860‡)
- Cheyenne County†
- No county seat designated.
- El Paso County†
- Fountain County†
- Heele County†
- Jackson County†
- Jefferson County†
- Arapahoe City/Arapahoe – November 28, 1859, to November 6, 1860
- Golden City – November 6, 1860, to June 6, 1861 (Territorial capital November 13, 1860, to June 6, 1861‡)
- Mountain County†
- North County†
- No county seat designated.
- Park County†
- St. Vrain's County†
- Saratoga County†
Territory and State of Colorado
The free Territory of Colorado was officially organized on February 28, 1861. 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. The Colorado Territory later added 12 more counties for a total of 29, of which 26 still exist.
On August 1, 1876, U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant issued Proclamation 230: Admission of Colorado into the Union. The State of Colorado has created 41 counties of which 38 still exist, for a total of 64 existing counties.
The 64 current and six extinct counties of Colorado and their county seats
- Adams County (November 15, 1902 to present)
- Alamosa County (March 8, 1913 to present)
- Arapahoe County (November 1, 1861 to November 15, 1902; and April 11, 1903, to present)
- Denver City/Denver (Territorial capital February 28, 1861, to July 7, 1862‡, and December 9, 1867, to August 1, 1876‡; state capital since August 1, 1876‡)
- Between November 15 and December 1, 1902, Arapahoe County was split into the City and County of Denver, Adams County; and South Arapahoe County. On April 11, 1903, the name of South Arapahoe County was changed back to Arapahoe County.
- Littleton – April 11, 1903 to present
- Denver City/Denver (Territorial capital February 28, 1861, to July 7, 1862‡, and December 9, 1867, to August 1, 1876‡; state capital since August 1, 1876‡)
- Archuleta County (April 14, 1885 to present)
- Baca County (April 16, 1889 to present)
- Bent County (February 11, 1870 to present)
- Las Animas (east) – February 11, 1870 to 1870
- Boggsville – 1870 to 1872
- Las Animas (east) – 1872 to 1875
- West Las Animas/Las Animas – 1875 to present
- Boulder County (November 1, 1861 to present)
- City and County of Broomfield (November 15, 2001 to present)
- Carbonate County† (February 8, 1879 to February 10, 1879)
- Chaffee County (February 10, 1879 to present)
- Granite – February 10, 1879 to 1888
- Buena Vista – 1888 to 1928
- Salida – 1928 to present
- Cheyenne County (March 25, 1889 to present)
- Clear Creek County (November 1, 1861 to present)
- Idaho - November 1, 1861 to 1867
- Georgetown – 1867 to present
- Conejos County (November 7, 1861 to present)
- Guadaloupe - November 7, 1861 to 1863
- Conejos - 1863 to present
- Costilla County (November 1, 1861 to present)
- San Miguel/Costilla – November 1, 1861 to 1863
- San Luis – 1863 to present
- Crowley County (May 29, 1911 to present)
- Custer County (March 9, 1877 to present)
- Ula – March 9, 1877 to 1878
- Rosita – 1878 to 1886
- Silver Cliff – 1886 to 1928
- Westcliffe – 1928 to present
- Delta County (February 11, 1883 to present)
- City and County of Denver (December 1, 1902 to present)
- Denver (State capital since August 1, 1876‡)
- Dolores County (March 4, 1881 to present)
- Rico – March 4, 1881 to 1945
- Dove Creek – 1945 to present
- Douglas County (November 1, 1861 to present)
- Frankstown – November 1, 1861 to 1864
- California Ranch/Franktown – 1864 to 1874
- Castle Rock – 1874 to present
- Eagle County (February 11, 1883 to present)
- Red Cliff/Redcliff – February 11, 1883 to 1921
- Eagle – 1921 to present
- El Paso County (November 1, 1861 to present)
- Colorado City – November 1, 1861 to 1873 (Territorial capital July 7, 1862, to August 14, 1862‡)
- Colorado Springs – 1873 to present
- Elbert County (February 2, 1874 to present)
- Fremont County (November 1, 1861 to present)
- Garfield County (February 10, 1883 to present)
- Carbonate – February 10, 1883 to 1883
- Barlow/Glenwood Springs – 1883 to present
- Gilpin County (November 1, 1861 to present)
- Grand County (February 2, 1874 to present)
- Hot Sulphur Springs – February 2, 1874 to 1882
- Grand Lake – 1882 to 1888
- Hot Sulphur Springs/Sulphur Springs/Hot Sulphur Springs – 1888 to present
- Greenwood County† (February 11, 1870 to February 6, 1874)
- Guadaloupe County† (November 1, 1861 until renamed Conejos County six days later)
- Gunnison County (March 9, 1877 to present)
- Hinsdale County (February 10, 1874 to present)
- San Juan City/San Juan – February 10, 1874 to February 23, 1875
- Lake City – February 23, 1875 to present
- Huerfano County (November 1, 1861 to present)
- Autobees Plaza – November 1, 1861 to 1868
- Badito – 1868 to 1874
- Walsenburgh/Tourist/Walsenburgh/Walsenburg – 1874 to present
- Jackson County (May 5, 1909 to present)
- Jefferson County (November 1, 1861 to present)
- Golden City/Golden (Territorial capital August 14, 1862, to December 9, 1867‡)
- Kiowa County (April 11, 1889 to present)
- Sheridan Lake – April 11, 1889 to 1902
- Eads – 1902 to present
- Kit Carson County (April 11, 1889 to present)
- La Plata County (February 10, 1874 to present)
- Howardsville – February 10, 1874 to January 31, 1876
- Parrott City – January 31, 1876 to 1881
- Durango – 1881 to present
- Lake County (November 1, 1861 to February 8, 1879; and February 10, 1879, to present)
- Oro City – November 1, 1861 to 1866
- Dayton – 1866 to 1868
- Granite – 1868 to February 8, 1879
- Lake County was renamed Carbonate County for two days before being split into a new Chaffee County and a re-created Lake County.
- Leadville – February 10, 1879 to present
- Larimer County (November 1, 1861 to present)
- La Porte – November 1, 1861 to 1868
- Fort Collins – 1868 to present
- Las Animas County (February 9, 1866 to present)
- Lincoln County (April 11, 1889 to present)
- Logan County - February 25, 1887 to present)
- Mesa County (February 14, 1883 to present)
- Mineral County - (March 27, 1893 to present)
- Wason – March 27, 1893 to November 7, 1893
- Amethyst/Creede – November 7, 1893 to present
- Moffat County (February 27, 1911 to present)
- Montezuma County (April 16, 1889 to present)
- Montrose County (February 11, 1883 to present)
- Morgan County (February 19, 1889 to present)
- Otero County (March 25, 1889 to present)
- Ouray County (January 18, 1877 to February 27, 1883; and March 2, 1883, to present)
- Park County (November 1, 1861 to present)
- Tarryall – November 1, 1861 to January 7, 1862
- Laurette/Bucksin/Buckskin Joe – January 7, 1862 to November 7, 1867
- Fair Play/Fairplay – November 7, 1867 to present
- Phillips County (March 27, 1889 to present)
- Pitkin County (February 23, 1881 to present)
- Platte County† (February 9, 1872 to February 9, 1874)
- Platte County failed to organize and reverted to the eastern portion of Weld County.
- Prowers County (April 11, 1889 to present)
- Pueblo County (November 1, 1861 to present)
- Rio Blanco County (March 25, 1889 to present)
- Rio Grande County (February 10, 1874 to present)
- Routt County (January 29, 1877 to present)
- Hayden – January 29, 1877 to 1878
- Hahns Peak – 1878 to 1912
- Steamboat Springs – 1912 to present
- Saguache County (December 29, 1866 to present)
- San Juan County (January 31, 1876 to present)
- San Miguel County (March 2, 1883 to present)
- Sedgwick County (April 9, 1889 to present)
- South Arapahoe County† (November 15, 1902 to April 11, 1903)
- Summit County (November 1, 1861 to present)
- Parkville – November 1, 1861 to 1862
- Breckenridge – 1862 to present
- Teller County (March 23, 1899 to present)
- Uncompahgre County† (February 27, 1883 to March 2, 1883)
- Washington County (February 9, 1887 to present)
- Weld County (November 1, 1861 to present)
- Yuma County (March 15, 1889 to present)
Table of county seats
| Current county seat |
|---|
| Historic county seat |
| State capital † |
| Territorial capital ‡ |
| Extinct county * |
County seat distinctions
- 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.
- Of the 64 current counties of Colorado, 38 have retained their original county seat.
- Weld County has changed its county seat five times: in 1868, 1870, 1874, 1875, and 1877.
- Granite has served as the county seat of three counties: Lake County, Carbonate County, and Chaffee County.
- 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
- Bibliography of Colorado
- Geography of Colorado
- History of Colorado
- Index of Colorado-related articles
- List of Colorado-related lists
- Outline of Colorado
Notes
- ^ 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. On November 28, 1859, the extralegal territory created 12 counties, with Denver City as the seat of Arapahoe County, Jefferson Territory. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
- ^ 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. 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.
- ^ 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. 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.
- ^ 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. 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.
- ^ 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. 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.
- ^ 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. On January 17, 1860, Arapahoe City shortened its name to Arapahoe. On November 6, 1860, the Jefferson Territory moved the seat of Jefferson County to Golden City.
- ^ 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 seven days later, it designated Golden City as its new territorial capital. On November 1, 1861, the new Territory of Colorado created 17 original counties, with Golden City as the seat of Jefferson County, Colorado Territory. Golden City served as the third capital of the Territory of Colorado from August 14, 1862, until December 9, 1867. The City of Golden City, Colorado Territory, was incorporated on January 2, 1871. On June 27, 1876, Golden City shortened its name to Golden, and since statehood on August 1 of that year, Golden has been the seat of Jefferson County, Colorado.
- ^ 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. 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.
- ^ 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. On January 4, 1860, Tarryall City shortened its name to Tarryall. 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.
- ^ 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. 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.
- ^ 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. 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. 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. 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.
- ^ Brighton has been the seat of Adams County, Colorado since the county was created on November 15, 1902.
- ^ Alamosa has been the seat of Alamosa County, Colorado since the county was created on March 8, 1913.
- ^ The name of Arapahoe County was changed to South Arapahoe County for the 15 months from November 15, 1902 to April 11, 1903.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Pagosa Springs has been the seat of Archuleta County, Colorado since the county was created on April 14, 1885.
- ^ Springfield has been the seat of Baca County, Colorado since the county was created on April 16, 1889.
- ^ 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, and Las Animas has served as the county seat since.
- ^ Boggsville served as the seat of Bent County, Colorado Territory from 1870 until 1872.
- ^ The City and County of Broomfield was consolidated on November 15, 2001.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Buena Vista served as the seat of Chaffee County, Colorado from 1888 until 1928.
- ^ On March 28, 1881, Arkansas changed its name to Salida. Salida has served as the seat of Chaffee County, Colorado since 1928.
- ^ Cheyenne Wells has been the seat of Cheyenne County, Colorado since the county was created on March 25, 1889.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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. 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. It wasn't until October 21, 1872, that the village post office was officially renamed Costilla, New Mexico Territory.
- ^ San Luis de la Culebra was settled on April 9, 1851. 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.
- ^ Ordway has been the seat of Crowley County, Colorado since the county was created on May 29, 1911.
- ^ Ula served as the original seat of Custer County, Colorado since the county was created on March 9, 1877, until 1878.
- ^ Rosita served as the seat of Custer County, Colorado from 1878 until 1886.
- ^ Silver Cliff served as the seat of Custer County, Colorado from 1886 until 1928.
- ^ Westcliffe has served as the seat of Custer County, Colorado since 1928.
- ^ Delta has been the seat of Delta County, Colorado since the county was created on February 11, 1883.
- ^ Rico served as the original seat of Dolores County, Colorado since the county was created on March 4, 1881, until 1945.
- ^ Dove Creek has served as the seat of Dolores County, Colorado since 1945.
- ^ 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. Franktown served as the county seat until 1874.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Castle changed its name to Eagle on September 3, 1891. Eagle has served as the seat of Eagle County, Colorado since 1921.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Carbonate served as the original seat of Garfield County, Colorado for several months after the county was created on February 10, 1883.
- ^ 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, and Glenwood Springs continues to serve as county seat.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Greenwood County, Colorado Territory, existed for the four years from February 11, 1870, until February 6, 1874.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Gunnison has been the seat of Gunnison County, Colorado since the county was created on March 9, 1877.
- ^ San Juan City served as the original seat of Hinsdale County, Colorado Territory from February 10, 1874, when the county was created, until February 23, 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. Mineral County, Colorado was created on March 27, 1893, and San Juan City became a part of Mineral County.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ On September 12, 1865, Little Orphan changed its name to Badito. Badito served as the seat of Huerfano County, Colorado Territory from 1868 until 1874.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Walden has been the seat of Jackson County, Colorado since the county was created on May 5, 1909.
- ^ 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. Sheridan Lake served as the original seat of Kiowa County, Colorado since the county was created on April 11, 1889, until 1902.
- ^ Eads has served as the seat of Kiowa County, Colorado since 1902.
- ^ Burlington has been the seat of Kit Carson County, Colorado since the county was created on April 11, 1889.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Durango has served as the seat of La Plata County, Colorado since 1881.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Dayton served as the seat of Lake County, Colorado Territory from 1866 until 1868.
- ^ Leadville has served as the seat of Lake County, Colorado since it was re-created on February 10, 1879.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Hugo has been the seat of Lincoln County, Colorado since the county was created on April 11, 1889.
- ^ Sterling has been the seat of Logan County, Colorado since the county was created on February 25, 1887.
- ^ On May 26, 1882, Ute changed its name to Grand Junction. Grand Junction has been the seat of Mesa County, Colorado since the county was created on February 11, 1883.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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. Creede has continued to serve as county seat.
- ^ On August 28, 1889, Yampa changed its name to Craig. Craig has been the seat of Moffat County, Colorado since the county was created on February 27, 1911.
- ^ Cortez has been the seat of Montezuma County, Colorado since the county was created on April 16, 1889.
- ^ Montrose has been the seat of Montrose County, Colorado since the county was created on February 11, 1883.
- ^ Fort Morgan has been the seat of Morgan County, Colorado since the county was created on February 19, 1889.
- ^ La Junta has been the seat of Otero County, Colorado since the county was created on March 25, 1889.
- ^ The name of Ouray County, Colorado was changed to Uncompahgre County for the three days from February 27 to March 2, 1883.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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. Buckskin Joe served as county seat until November 7, 1867.
- ^ 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, and has continued to serve as county seat.
- ^ Holyoke has been the seat of Phillips County, Colorado since the county was created on March 27, 1889.
- ^ Aspen has been the seat of Pitkin County, Colorado since the county was created on February 23, 1881.
- ^ Lamar has been the seat of Prowers County, Colorado since the county was created on April 11, 1889.
- ^ Meeker has been the seat of Rio Blanco County, Colorado since the county was created on March 25, 1889.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Hahns Peak served as the seat of Routt County, Colorado from 1878 until 1912.
- ^ Steamboat Springs has served as the seat of Routt County, Colorado since 1912.
- ^ The name "Saguache" is pronounced /səˈwætʃ/. 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".
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ The Telluride, Colorado, post office opened on July 26, 1880, at the town of Columbia, a name not acceptable to the United States Post Office Department. Columbia (Telluride since 1887) has been the seat of San Miguel County, Colorado, since the county was created on March 2, 1883. The Town of Columbia was incorporated on February 10, 1887, but the town changed its name to the Town of Telluride a few months later.
- ^ On May 26, 1886, Denver Junction changed its name to Julesburg. Julesburg has been the seat of Sedgwick County, Colorado since the county was created on April 9, 1889.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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. Cripple Creek has been the seat of Teller County, Colorado since the county was created on March 23, 1899.
- ^ Akron has been the seat of Washington County, Colorado since the county was created on February 9, 1887.
- ^ On November 25, 1863, Cherokee City changed its name to Latham. Latham served as the seat of Weld County, Colorado Territory from 1868 until 1870.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Yuma served as the original seat of Yuma County, Colorado from the creation of the county on March 15, 1889, until 1902.
- ^ Wray has served as the seat of Yuma County, Colorado since 1902.
References
- ^ Frederic L. Paxson (1906). Francis Ramaley (ed.). "The Territory of Jefferson: A Spontaneous Commonwealth". The University of Colorado Studies: General Series A. 3. Boulder, Colorado: University of Colorado: 15–18. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
- ^ "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 7, 2024.
- ^ 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 7, 2024.
- ^ "Colorado County History". COGenWeb Project. April 29, 2011. Archived from the original on July 23, 2008. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
- ^ Stanwyck, Don; Zion, Lee (2003). "Colorado County Evolution". COGenWeb Project. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
- Ulysses S. Grant (August 1, 1876). "Proclamation 230—Admission of Colorado into the Union". The American Presidency Project. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
- ^ 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.
- Dawson, John Frank (1954). "Breckenridge". Place Names in Colorado: Why 700 Communities Were So Named. p. 11. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
- "Town History, Gold Dust to White Gold". Special Features. Town of Breckenridge. Archived from the original on 2007-02-09. Retrieved 2007-02-23.
- "Annexation of Colorado City". Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
- Rosso, Mike (November 1, 2010). "Lines in the sand". Colorado Central Magazine. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
- "The Model of Auraria-Denver of 1860" (PDF). The Colorado Magazine. Colorado Historical Society. July 1935. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
- "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.
- "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.
- ^ "Active Colorado Municipalities". State of Colorado, Department of Local Affairs, Division of Local Government. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
- Merkl, Dameon (February 26, 2013), "What's in a Colorado name pronunciation?", The Denver Post, retrieved March 7, 2013
- "Colorado celebrates the anniversary of its oldest town, San Luis". History Colorado. April 1, 2015. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
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38°59′50″N 105°32′52″W / 38.9972°N 105.5478°W / 38.9972; -105.5478 (State of Colorado)