Flag History
When Colorado entered the Union, it was known as the Centennial State because it was the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The large red "C" on the flag, designed by Andrew Carlisle Carson, stands for Colorado, Centennial and for Columbine, the state flower. The colors of the flag parallel the blue, white and gold of the flower. The gold color also recalls the year round sunshine, as well as the founding of Denver during the gold rush of 1858.
Flag Adopted: 1911
State Nickname: The Centennial State
State Motto: Nothing without the DEITY
Area: 104,090 square miles
Approximate Population: 3 million
Capital: Denver
Largest City: Denver
Major Products: oil, gas, minerals, corn, wheat, potatoes, tourism
State Bird: Lark Bunting
State Tree: Blue Spruce
State Flower: Rocky Mountain Columbine
State Animal: Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep
