Washington, DC – Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today released the following statement marking the 150th anniversary of the Colorado Territorial Legislature creating the original 17 counties of Colorado, including Arapahoe, Boulder, Clear Creek, Costilla, Douglas, El Paso, Fremont, Gilpin, Guadalupe (renamed Conejos), Huerfano, Jefferson, Lake, Larimer, Park, Pueblo, Summit and Weld.
“Exactly 150 years ago today, the Territorial Legislature set us on a path toward statehood with the diversity of Colorado represented across this vast land. November 1, 1861, marked the beginning of the 64 counties that make up the Colorado we know and love today. From the snow-covered mountains of Summit County to the farm lands of the San Luis Valley, these original counties established the foundation from which the most beautiful state in our country grew and developed. As we welcome this milestone in the history of Colorado, we can no doubt look forward to another promising and prosperous 150 years.”