IT'S COLORADO DAY, MARKING 149 YEARS OF STATEHOOD

It's been a colorful 149 years of natural beauty, determined pioneers and industry.

On Aug. 1, 1876, Colorado - the Centennial State - was born. 

President Ulysses S. Grant signed a proclamation admitting the free Territory of Colorado as the 38th U.S. state a few weeks after the 100th anniversary of Declaration of Independence, hence the name Centennial State.

Denver was designated "temporary" capital city until a statewide vote made it permanent capital a few years later. The current state Capitol building, at 200 East Colfax Avenue, opened in 1894.