1. Colorado officially became a state on January 1, 1876, making it the 38th state in the United States of America. It was originally part of the Kansas Territory and then the Colorado Territory before achieving statehood.

2. The Coors Brewing Company, one of the largest breweries in the world, was founded in Golden, Colorado, on January 1, 1873. It remains headquartered in Colorado to this day.

3. The city of Denver, Colorado, was founded on November 22, 1858, but the residents officially celebrated their first New Year's Day on January 1, 1859. The day was marked with festivities, including a grand ball in the evening.

4. On January 1, 1950, a massive snowstorm blanketed Colorado, causing widespread damage and blocking roads and highways. The storm is still remembered as one of the worst in Colorado history.

5. The Colorado Avalanche, a professional ice hockey team, played their inaugural game on January 1, 1996, against the Detroit Red Wings. The game was part of the first ever NHL outdoor game, played at Coors Field in Denver. The Avalanche won the game 3-2.