1. In 1883, the town of Durango was founded in southwestern Colorado. Durango was originally established by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad to serve as a supply and transportation hub for the mining resources in the surrounding San Juan Mountains.

2. On July 31, 1890, the town of Creede experienced a devastating fire that destroyed most of its business district. Creede was a silver mining town that had been experiencing a boom in the late 1800s, but the fire caused a significant setback to the local economy.

3. In 1916, the Pikes Peak Highway officially opened to the public. The steep and winding road leads to the summit of Pikes Peak, one of Colorado's most iconic landmarks. Visitors can drive or take a cog railway to reach the 14,115-foot summit.

4. On July 31, 1930, the city of Trinidad experienced a massive coal mine explosion that killed 17 workers. The disaster was a tragic reminder of the dangerous conditions faced by those working in Colorado's coal mines during the early 20th century.

5. In 1976, the Winter Olympics were held in Innsbruck, Austria. Colorado's own Billy Kidd, a professional skier from Steamboat Springs, won a silver medal in the men's slalom event. Kidd's success at the Olympics helped to bring attention to Colorado's ski industry and helped to establish the state's reputation as a premier skiing destination.