The telegraphic dispatch, dated Aug. 1 and sent from Washington, D.C., appeared in newspapers across Colorado and the nation the following day. “The President, in accordance with the provisions of an act of Congress, approved March 3, 1875, has issued his proclamation declaring and proclaiming the fact that the fundamental conditions imposed by Congress on […]

The official canvass of the Colorado Territory’s referendum approving a state constitution was completed at Gov. John Routt’s office on July 24, 1876. The final tally was 15,443 votes for the constitution and statehood, and 4,030 votes against. Routt, the Civil War infantry captain appointed territorial governor by President Ulysses S. Grant the previous year, […]