1. In 1870, Colorado's first passenger train, the Denver Pacific Railroad, arrived in Denver. The train ushered in a new era of transportation for the state, making it easier for travelers and goods to reach Denver and other Colorado cities.

2. On February 21, 1931, the Colorado State Capitol building suffered damage from a fire that started in the building's attic. While the damage was significant, it was quickly repaired, and the Capitol building reopened for business just a few months later.

3. In 1961, astronaut Scott Carpenter, a native of Boulder, became the second American to orbit the earth. Carpenter piloted the Aurora 7 spacecraft during the mission, which lasted just under five hours and cemented Carpenter's place in American spaceflight history.

4. On February 21, 1981, the Colorado Rockies professional hockey team played their first game at the McNichols Sports Arena in Denver. While the team was short-lived, playing only six seasons in Denver, they left a lasting legacy and helped pave the way for the NHL's return to Denver with the Colorado Avalanche in 1995.

5. In 2002, Colorado hosted the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. While the state did not actually host any events, many Colorado athletes participated in the games, including Olympic gold medalists Jeremy Bloom and Shannon Bahrke. The 2002 Winter Olympics marked the second time that Salt Lake City had hosted the games, following the 2002 Summer Olympics.