Did you know that Colorado became a state on August 1, 1876? That makes today their 135th anniversary.
In their honor, let’s take a look at their state quarter released in 2006.
The majestic Rocky Mountains with evergreens at their base fill the 2006 quarter’s reverse with an accompanying banner showing “Colorful Colorado.”
In addition to the quarters, states enjoy having state flags, seals, mottoes, birds, songs and other things. Colorado is no exception.
Their state motto in Latin is “Nil Sine Numine” and is also part of their state seal. Through the years, the people of Colorado have translated the motto in various ways. Some think it is “Nothing without Providence.” Some say it is “Nothing without God.” Years ago, still others, perhaps tongue-in-cheek, claimed it was “Nothing without a New Mine.” Scholars, however, found the original committee’s notes and their intention of “Nothing without the Diety.”
The state’s name, Colorado, originated in the Spanish language, as the word for “colored red” and was chosen by Congress in 1861 for the Colorado Territory. With the state joining the Union in 1876, 100 years after America declared independence, Colorado is also known as the Centennial State. But because of their beautiful and varied landscapes, the state is also known as “Colorful Colorado” which was added to the state quarter.
As for state song, Colorado enjoys two. The first song, Where the Columbines Grow, was written in 1915 by A.J. Fynn. His inspiration came from seeing a Colorado mountain meadow covered with columbines. The second, and more familiar, song, Rocky Mountain High, was written by John Denver in 1973 and was approved as the second state song in 2007.
But, Colorado didn’t stop there. They have many state “things” such as:
State Animal – Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep
State Bird – Lark Bunting
State Fish – Greenback Cutthroat Trout
State Flower – White and Lavender Columbine
State Folk Dance – Square Dance
State Fossil – Stegosaurus
State Gemstone – Aquamarine
State Grass – Blue Grama Grass
State Insect – Colorado Hairstreak Butterfly
State Tree – Colorado Blue Spruce
State Mineral – Rhodochrosite
State Rock – Yule Marble
State Reptile – Western Painted Turtle
And, in response to the National Tartan Day, the National Holiday for all Scottish Americans, Colorado also has a State Tartan. Their official tartan is a Celtic and a “district” tartan, but it may be worn by any resident or friend of Colorado. Per their state legislature, July 1 is designated as Colorado’s Tartan Day which is different from the National Day of April 6.
It’s interesting what a small, round twenty-five cent piece can influence you to learn with a few simple searches.
You can find more information about Colorado to go along with their 2006 state quarter starting on their web page of Colorado State Archives Symbols & Emblems.