List of county seats in Colorado

A map showing the location of the U.S. State of Colorado.
The location of the State of Colorado in the United States of America.

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[edit]

A map showing the location of the extralegal Territory of Jefferson in 1859.
The location of the extralegal Territory of Jefferson in the United States of America in 1859.

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.[1] On November 28, 1859, the territory established 12 counties which served as the de facto local government.[2] 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.[3] 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[edit]

Territory and State of Colorado[edit]

The 64 counties of the U.S. State of Colorado.

The free Territory of Colorado was officially organized on February 28, 1861.[3] 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.[4][5] The Colorado Territory later added 12 more counties for a total of 29, of which 26 still exist.[4][5]

On August 1, 1876, U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant issued Proclamation 230: Admission of Colorado into the Union.[6] The State of Colorado has created 41 counties of which 38 still exist, for a total of 64 existing counties.[4][5]

The 64 current and six extinct counties of Colorado and their county seats[edit]

Table of county seats[edit]

Current and Historical County Seats
County seat County Beginning End
Akron[cw] Washington County, Colorado February 9, 1887 present
Alamosa[m] Alamosa County, Colorado March 8, 1913 present
Arapahoe City
Arapahoe[f] 		Jefferson County, Jefferson Territory† November 28, 1859 November 6, 1860
Aspen[ci] Pitkin County, Colorado February 23, 1881 present
Autobees Plaza[be] Huerfano County, Colorado Territory November 1, 1861 1868
Badito[bf] Huerfano County, Colorado Territory 1868 1874
Boggsville[s] Bent County, Colorado Territory 1870 1872
Boulder City
Boulder[e] 		Jackson County, Jefferson Territory† November 28, 1859 June 6, 1861
Boulder County, Colorado Territory
Boulder County, Colorado 		November 1, 1861 present
Breckenridge
Breckinridge
Breckenridge[k] 		Saratoga County, Jefferson Territory† November 28, 1859 June 6, 1861
Summit County, Colorado Territory
Summit County, Colorado 		1862 present
Brighton[l] Adams County, Colorado November 15, 1902 present
Broomfield[t] City and County of Broomfield November 15, 2001 present
Laurette
Buckskin
Buckskin Joe[cf] 		Park County, Colorado Territory January 7, 1862 November 7, 1867
Buena Vista[w] Chaffee County, Colorado 1888 1928
Burlington[bk] Kit Carson County, Colorado April 11, 1889 present
Cañon City[au] Fremont County, Colorado Territory
Fremont County, Colorado 		November 1, 1861 present
Carbonate[av] Garfield County, Colorado February 10, 1883 1883
Castle Rock[ap] Douglas County, Colorado Territory
Douglas County, Colorado 		1874 present
Central City[h] Mountain County, Jefferson Territory† November 28, 1859 June 6, 1861
Gilpin County, Colorado Territory
Gilpin County, Colorado 		November 1, 1861 present
Cheyenne Wells[y] Cheyenne County, Colorado March 25, 1889 present
Colorado City[b] El Paso County, Jefferson Territory† November 28, 1859 June 6, 1861
El Paso County, Colorado Territory November 1, 1861 1873
Capital of the Territory of Colorado‡ July 7, 1862 August 14, 1862
Colorado Springs[as] El Paso County, Colorado Territory
El Paso County, Colorado 		1873 present
Conejos[ad] Conejos County, Colorado Territory
Conejos County, Colorado 		1863 present
Cortez[bz] Montezuma County, Colorado April 16, 1889 present
San Miguel
Costilla[ae] 		Costilla County, Colorado Territory November 1, 1861 1863
Craig[by] Moffat County, Colorado February 27, 1911 present
Amethyst
Creede[bx] 		Mineral County, Colorado November 7, 1893 present
Cripple Creek[cv] Teller County, Colorado March 23, 1899 present
Dayton[bp] Lake County, Colorado Territory 1866 1868
Del Norte[cl] Rio Grande County, Colorado Territory
Rio Grande County, Colorado 		February 10, 1874 present
Delta[al] Delta County, Colorado February 11, 1883 present
Denver City
Denver[a] 		Capital of the Territory of Jefferson‡ October 24, 1859 November 13, 1860
Arrappahoe County, Jefferson Territory† November 28, 1859 June 6, 1861
Capital of the Territory of Colorado‡ February 28, 1861 July 7, 1862
Arapahoe County, Colorado Territory
Arapahoe County, Colorado[n] 		November 1, 1861 November 15, 1902
Capital of the Territory of Colorado‡ December 9, 1867 August 1, 1876
Capital of the State of Colorado‡ August 1, 1876 present
City and County of Denver, Colorado December 1, 1902 present
Dove Creek[an] Dolores County, Colorado 1945 present
Durango[bn] La Plata County, Colorado 1881 present
Eads[bj] Kiowa County, Colorado 1902 present
Eagle[ar] Eagle County, Colorado 1921 present
Evans[cy] Weld County, Colorado Territory
Weld County, Colorado 		1870 1874
1875 1877
Fair Play
Fairplay[cg] 		Park County, Colorado Territory
Park County, Colorado 		November 7, 1867 present
Fort Collins[br] Larimer County, Colorado Territory
Larimer County, Colorado 		1868 present
Fort Morgan[cb] Morgan County, Colorado February 19, 1889 present
Frankstown[ao] Douglas County, Colorado Territory November 1, 1861 1864
California Ranch
Franktown[ao] 		Douglas County, Colorado Territory 1864 1874
Georgetown[aa] Clear Creek County, Colorado Territory
Clear Creek County, Colorado 		1867 present
Barlow
Glenwood Springs[aw] 		Garfield County, Colorado 1883 present
Golden City
Golden[g] 		Jefferson County, Jefferson Territory† November 6, 1860 June 6, 1861
Capital of the Territory of Jefferson‡ November 13, 1860 June 6, 1861
Jefferson County, Colorado Territory
Jefferson County, Colorado 		November 1, 1861 present
Capital of the Territory of Colorado‡ August 14, 1862 December 9, 1967
Grand Junction[bv] Mesa County, Colorado February 11, 1883 present
Grand Lake[ay] Grand County, Colorado 1882 1888
Granite[v] Lake County, Colorado Territory
Lake County, Colorado[u] 		1868 February 8, 1879
Carbonate County, Colorado†[u] February 8, 1879 February 10, 1879
Chaffee County, Colorado[u] February 10, 1879 1888
Greeley[cz] Weld County, Colorado Territory 1874 1875
Weld County, Colorado 1877 present
Guadaloupe[ac] Guadaloupe County, Colorado Territory†[ab] November 1, 1861 November 7, 1861
Conejos County, Colorado Territory[ab] November 7, 1861 1863
Gunnison[bb] Gunnison County, Colorado March 9, 1877 present
Hahns Peak[cn] Routt County, Colorado 1878 1912
Hayden[cm] Routt County, Colorado January 29, 1877 1878
Holyoke[ch] Phillips County, Colorado March 27, 1889 present
Hot Sulphur Springs
Sulphur Springs
Hot Sulphur Springs[ax] 		Grand County, Colorado Territory
Grand County, Colorado 		February 2, 1874 1882
1888 present
Howardsville[bl] La Plata County, Colorado Territory February 10, 1874 January 31, 1876
Hugo[bt] Lincoln County, Colorado April 11, 1889 present
Idaho[z] Clear Creek County, Colorado Territory November 1, 1861 1867
Julesburg[ct] Sedgwick County, Colorado April 9, 1889 present
Kiowa[at] Elbert County, Colorado Territory
Elbert County, Colorado 		February 2, 1874 present
Kit Carson[ba] Greenwood County, Colorado Territory†[az] February 11, 1870 February 6, 1874
La Junta[cc] Otero County, Colorado March 25, 1889 present
La Porte[d] Heele County, Jefferson Territory† November 28, 1859 June 6, 1861
Larimer County, Colorado Territory November 1, 1861 1868
Lake City[bd] Hinsdale County, Colorado Territory
Hinsdale County, Colorado 		1875 present
Lamar[cj] Prowers County, Colorado April 11, 1889 present
Las Animas (east)[r] Bent County, Colorado Territory February 11, 1870 1870
1872 1875
West Las Animas
Las Animas[r] 		Bent County, Colorado Territory
Bent County, Colorado 		1875 present
Latham[cx] Weld County, Colorado Territory 1868 1870
Leadville[bq] Lake County, Colorado[u] February 10, 1879 present
Littleton[o] South Arapahoe County, Colorado†[n] November 15, 1902 April 11, 1903
Arapahoe County, Colorado[n] April 11, 1903 present
Meeker[ck] Rio Blanco County, Colorado March 25, 1889 present
Montrose[ca] Montrose County, Colorado February 11, 1883 present
Ordway[ag] Crowley County, Colorado May 29, 1911 present
Oro City[bo] Lake County, Colorado Territory November 1, 1861 1866
Ouray[ce] Ouray County, Colorado[cd] January 18, 1877 February 27, 1883
Uncompahgre County, Colorado†[cd] February 27, 1883 March 2, 1883
Ouray County, Colorado[cd] March 2, 1883 present
Pagosa Springs[p] Archuleta County, Colorado April 14, 1885 present
Parkville[cu] Summit County, Colorado Territory November 1, 1861 1862
Parrott City[bm] La Plata County, Colorado Territory
La Plata County, Colorado 		January 31, 1876 1881
Pueblo[c] Fountain County, Jefferson Territory† November 28, 1859 June 6, 1861
Pueblo County, Colorado Territory
Pueblo County, Colorado 		November 1, 1861 present
Red Cliff
Redcliff[aq] 		Eagle County, Colorado February 11, 1883 1921
Rico[am] Dolores County, Colorado March 4, 1881 1945
Rosita[ai] Custer County, Colorado 1878 1886
Saguache[cq][cp] Saguache County, Colorado Territory
Saguache County, Colorado[cp] 		December 29, 1866 present
Saint Vrain[j] St. Vrain County, Jefferson Territory† November 28, 1859 June 6, 1861
Weld County, Colorado Territory November 1, 1861 1868
Salida[x] Chaffee County, Colorado 1928 present
San Juan City
San Juan[bc] 		Hinsdale County, Colorado Territory February 10, 1874 1875
San Luis[af] Costilla County, Colorado Territory
Costilla County, Colorado 		1863 present
Sheridan Lake[bi] Kiowa County, Colorado April 11, 1889 1902
Silver Cliff[aj] Custer County, Colorado 1886 1928
Silverton[cr] San Juan County, Colorado Territory
San Juan County, Colorado 		January 31, 1876 present
Springfield[q] Baca County, Colorado April 16, 1889 present
Steamboat Springs[co] Routt County, Colorado 1912 present
Sterling[bu] Logan County, Colorado February 25, 1887 present
Tarryall City
Tarryall[i] 		Park County, Jefferson Territory† November 28, 1859 June 6, 1861
Park County, Colorado Territory November 1, 1861 January 7, 1862
Telluride[cs] San Miguel County, Colorado March 2, 1883 present
Trinidad[bs] Las Animas County, Colorado Territory
Las Animas County, Colorado 		February 9, 1866 present
Ula[ah] Custer County, Colorado March 9, 1877 1878
Walden[bh] Jackson County, Colorado May 5, 1909 present
Walsenburgh
Tourist
Walsenburgh
Walsenburg[bg] 		Huerfano County, Colorado Territory
Huerfano County, Colorado 		1874 present
Wason[bw] Mineral County, Colorado March 27, 1893 November 7, 1893
Westcliffe[ak] Custer County, Colorado 1928 present
Wray[db] Yuma County, Colorado 1902 present
Yuma[da] Yuma County, Colorado March 15, 1889 1902
 ‡  Capital
 †  Extinct county

County seat distinctions[edit]

  1. 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.
  2. Of the 64 current counties of Colorado, 38 have retained their original county seat.
  3. Weld County has changed its county seat five times: in 1868, 1870, 1874, 1875, and 1877.
  4. Granite has served as the county seat of three counties: Lake County, Carbonate County, and Chaffee County.
  5. 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[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d 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.[1][12] On November 28, 1859, the extralegal territory created 12 counties, with Denver City as the seat of Arrappahoe County, Jefferson Territory.[2] 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.[13] 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.[3] 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.[14] 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.[7] 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.[15]
  2. ^ a b c 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.[2] 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.[10]
  3. ^ a b c 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.[2] 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.
  4. ^ a b c 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.[2] 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.[7]
  5. ^ a b c 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.[2] 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.
  6. ^ a b 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.[2] On January 17, 1860, Arapahoe City shortened its name to Arapahoe.[7] On November 6, 1860, the Jefferson Territory moved the seat of Jefferson County to Golden City.
  7. ^ a b c 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 on November 13, 1860, it designated Golden City as its new territorial capital.[2] On November 1, 1861, the new Territory of Colorado created 17 original counties, with Golden City as the original seat of Jefferson County, Colorado Territory. Golden City served as the third capital of the Colorado Territory from August 14, 1862, until December 9, 1967. On June 27, 1876, Golden City shortened its name to Golden,[7] and since statehood on August 1, 1876, Golden has been the seat of Jefferson County, Colorado.
  8. ^ a b c 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.[2] 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.
  9. ^ a b c 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.[2] On January 4, 1860, Tarryall City shortened its name to Tarryall.[7] 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.
  10. ^ a b c 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.[2] 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.
  11. ^ a b c 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.[2] 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.[8] 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.[7][9] 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.
  12. ^ a b Brighton has been the seat of Adams County, Colorado since the county was created on November 15, 1902.
  13. ^ a b Alamosa has been the seat of Alamosa County, Colorado since the county was created on March 8, 1913.
  14. ^ a b c d e The name of Arapahoe County was changed to South Arapahoe County for the 15 months from November 15, 1902 to April 11, 1903.
  15. ^ a b c 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.
  16. ^ a b Pagosa Springs has been the seat of Archuleta County, Colorado since the county was created on April 14, 1885.
  17. ^ a b Springfield has been the seat of Baca County, Colorado since the county was created on April 16, 1889.
  18. ^ a b c d e 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,[7] and Las Animas has served as the county seat since.
  19. ^ a b Boggsville served as the seat of Bent County, Colorado Territory from 1870 until 1872.
  20. ^ a b The City and County of Broomfield was consolidated on November 15, 2001.
  21. ^ a b c d e f g 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.
  22. ^ a b c d 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.
  23. ^ a b Buena Vista served as the seat of Chaffee County, Colorado from 1888 until 1928.
  24. ^ a b On March 28, 1881, Arkansas changed its name to Salida.[7] Salida has served as the seat of Chaffee County, Colorado since 1928.
  25. ^ a b Cheyenne Wells has been the seat of Cheyenne County, Colorado since the county was created on March 25, 1889.
  26. ^ a b 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.[7]
  27. ^ a b 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.
  28. ^ a b c d 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.
  29. ^ a b c 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.
  30. ^ a b 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.
  31. ^ a b 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.[7] 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.[11] It wasn't until October 21, 1872, that the village post office was officially renamed Costilla, New Mexico Territory.[7]
  32. ^ a b San Luis de la Culebra was settled on April 9, 1851.[17] 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.
  33. ^ a b Ordway has been the seat of Crowley County, Colorado since the county was created on May 29, 1911.
  34. ^ a b Ula served as the original seat of Custer County, Colorado since the county was created on March 9, 1877, until 1878.
  35. ^ a b Rosita served as the seat of Custer County, Colorado from 1878 until 1886.
  36. ^ a b Silver Cliff served as the seat of Custer County, Colorado from 1886 until 1928.
  37. ^ a b Westcliffe has served as the seat of Custer County, Colorado since 1928.
  38. ^ a b Delta has been the seat of Delta County, Colorado since the county was created on February 11, 1883.
  39. ^ a b Rico served as the original seat of Dolores County, Colorado since the county was created on March 4, 1881, until 1945.
  40. ^ a b Dove Creek has served as the seat of Dolores County, Colorado since 1945.
  41. ^ a b c d 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.[7] Franktown served as the county seat until 1874.
  42. ^ a b 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.
  43. ^ a b 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.[7]
  44. ^ a b Castle changed its name to Eagle on September 3, 1891.[7] Eagle has served as the seat of Eagle County, Colorado since 1921.
  45. ^ a b 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.
  46. ^ a b 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.
  47. ^ a b 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.[7]
  48. ^ a b Carbonate served as the original seat of Garfield County, Colorado for several months after the county was created on February 10, 1883.
  49. ^ a b 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,[7] and Glenwood Springs continues to serve as county seat.
  50. ^ a b c 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.[7]
  51. ^ a b 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.[7]
  52. ^ a b Greenwood County, Colorado Territory existed for the four years from February 11, 1870, until February 6, 1874.
  53. ^ a b 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.
  54. ^ a b Gunnison has been the seat of Gunnison County, Colorado since the county was created on March 9, 1877.
  55. ^ a b San Juan City served as the original seat of Hinsdale County, Colorado Territory since the county was created on February 10, 1874, until 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.[7]
  56. ^ a b 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.
  57. ^ a b 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.
  58. ^ a b On September 12, 1865, Little Orphan changed its name to Badito.[7] Badito served as the seat of Huerfano County, Colorado Territory from 1868 until 1874.
  59. ^ a b 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.[7]
  60. ^ a b Walden has been the seat of Jackson County, Colorado since the county was created on May 5, 1909.
  61. ^ a b 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.[7] Sheridan Lake served as the original seat of Kiowa County, Colorado since the county was created on April 11, 1889, until 1902.
  62. ^ a b Eads has served as the seat of Kiowa County, Colorado since 1902.
  63. ^ a b Burlington has been the seat of Kit Carson County, Colorado since the county was created on April 11, 1889.
  64. ^ a b 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.
  65. ^ a b 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.
  66. ^ a b Durango has served as the seat of La Plata County, Colorado since 1881.
  67. ^ a b 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.
  68. ^ a b Dayton served as the seat of Lake County, Colorado Territory from 1866 until 1868.
  69. ^ a b Leadville has served as the seat of Lake County, Colorado since it was re-created on February 10, 1879.
  70. ^ a b 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.
  71. ^ a b 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.
  72. ^ a b Hugo has been the seat of Lincoln County, Colorado since the county was created on April 11, 1889.
  73. ^ a b Sterling has been the seat of Logan County, Colorado since the county was created on February 25, 1887.
  74. ^ a b On May 26, 1882, Ute changed its name to Grand Junction.[7] Grand Junction has been the seat of Mesa County, Colorado since the county was created on February 11, 1883.
  75. ^ a b 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.
  76. ^ a b 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.[7] Creede has continued to serve as county seat.
  77. ^ a b On August 28, 1889, Yampa changed its name to Craig.[7] Craig has been the seat of Moffat County, Colorado since the county was created on February 27, 1911.
  78. ^ a b Cortez has been the seat of Montezuma County, Colorado since the county was created on April 16, 1889.
  79. ^ a b Montrose has been the seat of Montrose County, Colorado since the county was created on February 11, 1883.
  80. ^ a b Fort Morgan has been the seat of Morgan County, Colorado since the county was created on February 19, 1889.
  81. ^ a b La Junta has been the seat of Otero County, Colorado since the county was created on March 25, 1889.
  82. ^ a b c d e The name of Ouray County, Colorado was changed to Uncompahgre County for the three days from February 27 to March 2, 1883.
  83. ^ a b c 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.
  84. ^ a b 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.[7] Buckskin Joe served as county seat until November 7, 1867.
  85. ^ a b 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,[7] and has continued to serve as county seat.
  86. ^ a b Holyoke has been the seat of Phillips County, Colorado since the county was created on March 27, 1889.
  87. ^ a b Aspen has been the seat of Pitkin County, Colorado since the county was created on February 23, 1881.
  88. ^ a b Lamar has been the seat of Prowers County, Colorado since the county was created on April 11, 1889.
  89. ^ a b Meeker has been the seat of Rio Blanco County, Colorado since the county was created on March 25, 1889.
  90. ^ a b 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.
  91. ^ a b 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.
  92. ^ a b Hahns Peak served as the seat of Routt County, Colorado from 1878 until 1912.
  93. ^ a b Steamboat Springs has served as the seat of Routt County, Colorado since 1912.
  94. ^ a b c d 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".[16]
  95. ^ a b 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.
  96. ^ a b 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.
  97. ^ a b On July 26, 1880, Columbia changed its name to Telluride.[7] Telluride has been the seat of San Miguel County, Colorado since the county was created on March 2, 1883.
  98. ^ a b On May 26, 1886, Denver Junction changed its name to Julesburg.[7] Julesburg has been the seat of Sedgwick County, Colorado since the county was created on April 9, 1889.
  99. ^ a b 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.
  100. ^ a b 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.[7] Cripple Creek has been the seat of Teller County, Colorado since the county was created on March 23, 1899.
  101. ^ a b Akron has been the seat of Washington County, Colorado since the county was created on February 9, 1887.
  102. ^ a b On November 25, 1863, Cherokee City changed its name to Latham.[7] Latham served as the seat of Weld County, Colorado Territory from 1868 until 1870.
  103. ^ a b c 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.
  104. ^ a b c 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.
  105. ^ a b Yuma served as the original seat of Yuma County, Colorado from the creation of the county on March 15, 1889, until 1902.
  106. ^ a b Wray has served as the seat of Yuma County, Colorado since 1902.

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b 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 12, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "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 12, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c 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 12, 2023.
  4. ^ a b c "Colorado County History". COGenWeb Project. April 29, 2011. Archived from the original on July 23, 2008. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
  5. ^ a b c Stanwyck, Don (2003). "Colorado County Evolution". COGenWeb Project. Archived from the original on February 5, 2007. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
  6. ^ Ulysses S. Grant (August 1, 1876). "Proclamation 230—Admission of Colorado into the Union". The American Presidency Project. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae 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.
  8. ^ Dawson, John Frank (1954). "Breckenridge". Place Names in Colorado: Why 700 Communities Were So Named. p. 11. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
  9. ^ "Town History, Gold Dust to White Gold". Special Features. Town of Breckenridge. Archived from the original on 2007-02-09. Retrieved 2007-02-23.
  10. ^ "Annexation of Colorado City". Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum. Retrieved November 4, 2023.
  11. ^ Rosso, Mike (November 1, 2010). "Lines in the sand". Colorado Central Magazine. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  12. ^ "The Model of Auraria-Denver of 1860" (PDF). The Colorado Magazine. Colorado Historical Society. July 1935. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  13. ^ "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.
  14. ^ "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.
  15. ^ "Active Colorado Municipalities". State of Colorado, Department of Local Affairs, Division of Local Government. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  16. ^ Merkl, Dameon (February 26, 2013), "What's in a Colorado name pronunciation?", The Denver Post, retrieved March 7, 2013
  17. ^ "Colorado celebrates the anniversary of its oldest town, San Luis". History Colorado. April 1, 2015. Retrieved August 27, 2022.

External links[edit]


38°59′50″N 105°32′52″W / 38.9972°N 105.5478°W / 38.9972; -105.5478 (State of Colorado)

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