What is a Centennial State and Why is Colorado Called One?

What is a Centennial State? It's something that only one state can call itself and Colorado has that designation. It's a nickname.

The nickname was given because Colorado became a state 100 years after the signing of the nation's Declaration of Independence. Merriam-Webster defines centennial as "a 100th anniversary or its celebration".

Colorado became a state on August 1, 1876, as the United States was celebrating its centennial. It had been 100 years and a few weeks since the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776. As the only state to become a state during that year, the nickname "Centennial State" was born.

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Colorado was the 38th state to join the union, but the Centennial nickname is what stuck.

Colorado has lots of fun facts:

• Did you know Colorado is home to the world’s largest natural hot springs swimming pool? Yep, it's Glenwood Springs. And get this, Colorado also has the world's deepest hot springs. You'll find it in Pagosa Springs.
• Just 60 miles west of Denver you'll find the highest paved road in North America along the Mount Evans Scenic Byway.
• With more than 300 days of sunshine per year, some Colorado cities get more sunshine than San Diego and Miami.
• Homes are expensive in Colorado but we have some of the lowest property taxes in the country.
• Colorado is very dog friendly. Did you know Colorado is home to more than 74 no-kill shelters?
• The state has four National Parks and 42 state parks to explore.
• There are at least 26 ski resorts in Colorado.
• Colorado is home to the longest continuous commercial street in America, you know it as Colfax Avenue