1. On February 19, 1952, the West Fork Mine disaster occurred in San Juan County, Colorado, when an explosion killed 15 coal miners. The disaster is considered to be the worst in the history of the coal mining industry in Colorado.

2. In 2001, on February 19, the United States Olympic Committee announced that Salt Lake City, Utah, had been chosen to host the 2002 Winter Olympics. The decision was controversial due to allegations of bribery and corruption by officials involved in the selection process.

3. On February 19, 1861, Colorado was admitted as the 38th state in the United States. The state was originally part of the Kansas and Nebraska territories but was separated to become its own territory in 1861. It was admitted to the union as a state less than a year later.

4. On February 19, 1979, a plane crash occurred near Greeley, Colorado, killing all 15 people on board. The plane was en route to Denver from Salt Lake City and crashed into a farm field during a blizzard.

5. On February 19, 1986, the Colorado Rockies were awarded an NHL expansion franchise. The team played their first game during the 1995-1996 season and became the first major professional sports franchise in the state of Colorado.