As the nation celebrates America turning 250, the Centennial State gets to celebrate Colorado turning 150.
Once considered a far-flung outpost of America’s westward expansion, Colorado’s majesty came to inspire a nation and it became the site of major discoveries. So much of that history predates statehood, however. The most venerable church, college and city all came into existence before Colorado became the 38th state on Aug. 1, 1876.
Other quintessential Colorado firsts — such as its oldest ski resort — came into being after its admission as a state…