Colorado Experience

2016 marks the 40th anniversary of the most deadly natural disaster in Colorado's history. The combination of a state and national holiday, a downed weather warning station, and a torrential stationary rainstorm, left 144 people dead and even more wounded. Explore the conditions that lead to this traumatic disaster, and hear powerful stories from several survivors.

Marvel at the Hotel’s elegant quarters, whet your palette with the elaborate menu (oysters included, and not of the Rocky Mountain variety!) and meet the wealthy businessmen, railroad tycoons and adventure-seekers who found themselves in the Wild West’s lap of luxury.

During Colorado’s Gold Rush days, newspaper headlines revealed passionate letters and secret elopements between same-sex couples. Nearly two centuries later, the city of Denver hosts one of the largest PrideFest in America, yet the state continues to struggle for equality.

Widely known for inspiring Stephen King’s 1977 novel, The Shining, The Stanley Hotel’s legacy goes beyond a history of paranormal activity. When Freelan Oscar Stanley arrived in Estes Park in 1903, he was not looking for a Hotel location, but instead the climate cure for his bout with Tuberculosis. After recovering, Stanley – of Stanley Steamer fame among others—decided to open a Hotel.

On November 7, 1893, Colorado became the first state in the nation to grant women’s suffrage by a single issue popular vote, and the following year the first three female state legislators were elected. Meet the dedicated Colorado women that led this charge. Today, Colorado has the highest percentage of women in the state legislature.

In the early 1960s, Denver’s Larimer Square was known for its homeless population and abandoned buildings. When Denver’s Urban Renewal Authority publicized its plans to raze the area in an effort to modernizing the city, preservationist Dana Crawford interceded and launched her own plan to preserve the historic buildings dating back to the 1860s. Crawford’s efforts helped to revitalize Larimer Square, leading to the thriving hub of commerce and community it is today. But her influence did not stop there, over 50 years later her legacy can be seen throughout Denver from modern lofts to the historic Union Station. Meet one of the country’s most influential preservationist.

Twenty years after the Gold Rush, the Colorado Silver Boom occurred in 1879 causing hordes of silver seekers to rush the Rockies. Horace Tabor, known as “The Bonanza King of Leadville,” joined the crowds and landed in the Centennial state becoming one of the richest silver barons in history. His story, though, took numerous unexpected turns as he left his wife, Augusta, for the younger and more be

The history of Colorado mirrors the history of agriculture. Meet three families who continue to work the land their ancestors first tilled over one hundred years ago.

As an early city on the Santa Fe Trail, Trinidad played host to numerous Spanish and Mexican traders before Colorado was even a territory. Since its incorporation in the 1860s, Trinidad has continued to attract a diverse population, first as a coal-mining city of immigrants, and later as the “Sex Change Capitol of the World.” The echo of past people and events lies within Trinidad’s rich architect

The courthouses across Colorado are much more than judicial landmarks, their placement represents power and land status. In some cases, such as the Bent County Courthouse the location of this Victorian structure solidified the county seat in Las Animas instead of nearby Boggsville. From Ouray County’s solid brick design, to Hinsdale County's frame structure, discover Colorado's courthouses.

Known today as the oldest continuously-operated performing arts school and camp in the nation, Perry-Mansfield boasts alumni from Jose Limon, a pioneer of modern dance, to actors including Julie Harris and Dustin Hoffman.

This episode was submitted by Rick Wallner and the 7th Graders of Century Middle School. Once a tropical landscape inhabited by Dinosaurs, Colorado has a fascinating history of paleontology. Discover the “Bone Wars” of the late 1800s and the major fossil finds across Colorado.

From the Grand Dragon to known KKK appointees in the police, mayor and governor offices, Colorado once had the 2nd largest Ku Klux Klan membership in the United States. Discover the sordid history of the KKK in Colorado and the impact they had on Catholics, Jews and African Americans in early 1920s, and the courageous individuals who fought against their establishment.