1. On February 17, 1861, the Colorado Territory was officially created through the signing of the Organic Act by President James Buchanan. This act established the boundaries of the territory and authorized the election of a territorial governor and legislators.

2. In 1897, the first ski resort in Colorado was established in the town of Hot Sulphur Springs. Named the Hot Sulphur Springs Winter Sports Club, the resort featured a toboggan run and ski jump.

3. On February 17, 1909, the first Longmont Sugar Beet Festival was held in the town of Longmont. The festival celebrated the success of the local sugar beet industry, which was a major contributor to the economy of the area.

4. In 1979, the legendary jazz pianist Thelonious Monk played a concert at the University of Colorado in Boulder. The concert was part of the university's Artist Series and attracted a large crowd of jazz enthusiasts.

5. February 17, 1986, marked the opening of the first legal gambling casinos in the city of Black Hawk. The city had been struggling economically until the introduction of casinos helped to revitalize the area and create new jobs.