Colorado State Nickname: The Centennial State
Fact-checked • Updated December 10, 2025
"The Centennial State"
Also Known As:
About the Nickname The Centennial State
Colorado’s best-known nickname is The Centennial State. It refers to the year Colorado became a U.S. state in 1876, exactly 100 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed. President Ulysses S. Grant admitted Colorado to the Union on August 1, 1876, during the nation’s centennial celebrations. The nickname appeared in Colorado newspapers as early as 1875 and quickly became the state’s most recognized informal name.
Meaning of 'The Centennial State'
The word centennial means 100 years or a 100th anniversary. When someone turns 100 years old, they celebrate a centennial birthday. For Colorado, the centennial marked the United States turning 100 years old as a nation.
The Declaration of Independence carries the date July 4, 1776. Leaders signed the actual document on August 2, 1776. Colorado gained statehood on August 1, 1876, just one day before the 100th anniversary of the signing. This timing was not planned but happened by chance.
People living in Colorado Territory wanted this nickname. Records show newspapers in 1875 already published articles saying Colorado could become the Centennial State. The Colorado nickname meaning connects directly to this historical timing and remains an important part of the state's identity today. While never formally adopted through legislation like other state symbols, the nickname appears widely in tourism materials and historical references.
Other Nicknames
Colorful Colorado
This nickname describes the state's natural scenery. The Rocky Mountains create beautiful views with different colors throughout the year. Mountains show green forests in summer and white snow in winter. Golden aspens cover hillsides each fall. The state used Colorful Colorado as an official slogan for many years. The phrase appeared on license plates and tourist materials. Visitors often mention the striking landscapes when they talk about what is the nickname for Colorado beyond the Centennial State.
Highest State
Colorado earned this name because of its elevation above sea level. The state has an average elevation of 6,800 feet, higher than any other state in America. Even the flat eastern plains sit more than 4,000 feet above sea level. Mount Elbert stands at 14,440 feet as Colorado's tallest peak and the highest point in the entire Rocky Mountain range. Denver carries its own nickname as the Mile High City because it sits exactly 5,280 feet above sea level.
Silver State
Mining brought this nickname to Colorado during the late 1800s. Leadville became one of the world's greatest mining camps in 1878 when workers discovered large amounts of silver. The silver boom helped Colorado's economy grow quickly after statehood. Miners also found significant amounts of lead ore in Colorado mountains. While Nevada also uses Silver State as a nickname, Colorado's silver mining history made the name popular here too during the height of the mining era.
Interesting Facts
Fact 1 of 7
Colorado made five attempts over 17 years before finally achieving statehood in 1876.
Sources & References
This article has been researched using authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Official state information about Colorado's symbols, seal, flag, and the historical significance of becoming the Centennial State in 1876
Comprehensive article covering Colorado's statehood, geography, and why it earned the Centennial State nickname upon admission to the Union
Detailed explanation of how Colorado became known as the Centennial State and other nicknames like Colorful Colorado