Historical Note:

Pike's hike and Bates' fate . . .

Pike's Peak is named after Lieut. Zebulon Montgomery Pike, although he never made it to the peak. Lots of snow and little warm clothing kept Pike's expedition from reaching the top. They say the view from the top of Pike's Peak inspired Katherine Lee Bates to write "America the Beautiful" in 1893.

Name Origin: Spanish. ("Color Red")

Capital: Denver

Population: 3,656,000

Area: 104,091 square miles

Statehood: August 1, 1876 (38th)

Nickname: The Centennial State (because it became a state 100 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence)

Motto: "Nothing without Providence"

Famous For: Gold Rush, Mile-High City, Mesa Verde, Cliff Dwellings, Rocky Mountains, Skiing, and Hiking