Here are 5 interesting facts about June 9 in Colorado history:

1. On June 9, 1858, a group of prospectors led by William Greeneberry Russell discovered gold in Cherry Creek, which later led to Colorado's gold rush. This discovery brought thousands of people to Colorado in search of gold and paved the way for the state's economic growth.

2. In 1886, a fire broke out in the silver mining town of Leadville on June 9, destroying over 100 buildings and causing millions of dollars in damages. Despite the tragedy, Leadville survived and continued to prosper.

3. On June 9, 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt signed the National Reclamation Act, which authorized the construction of dams and irrigation systems to provide water for agriculture in the Western United States. This act led to the creation of many irrigation projects in Colorado, which helped to transform the state's arid landscape into fertile farmland.

4. On June 9, 1953, the Mesa Verde National Park was established by Congress. This national park in southwestern Colorado is home to some of the best-preserved Native American cliff dwellings in the country, including the famous Cliff Palace.

5. On June 9, 2014, severe flooding and landslides occurred in several areas of Colorado due to heavy rain, resulting in the loss of human lives and significant damage to property. The disaster highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness and community resilience in the face of natural disasters.