1. Birth of John Lennon: October 9 marks the birth of one of the most iconic singers and songwriters in history, John Lennon, who was born in Liverpool, England in 1940. While he never lived in Colorado, his legacy and music have had a significant impact on the state and the world.

2. Colorado's First Native-Owned Casino Opens: In 1995, the Ute Mountain Casino opened in Towaoc, Colorado, becoming the first Native-American-owned casino in the state. The casino has since grown in popularity and offers an array of gaming and entertainment options to visitors.

3. Colorado's First Gold Strike: In 1858, the first significant gold strike in Colorado was made at the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River, near what is now Denver. The discovery sparked the Colorado Gold Rush and had a significant impact on the development of the state.

4. Colorado's First Modern Ski Area: In 1936, the first modern ski area in Colorado, Howelsen Hill, opened in Steamboat Springs. Today, the state is home to some of the world's most popular ski resorts, including Vail, Breckenridge, and Aspen.

5. Colorado's First Female Governor: In 2019, Colorado made history by electing its first female governor, Democrat Jared Polis. Polis, who is also the first openly gay man to be elected governor in the United States, has made education, healthcare, and renewable energy a focus of his administration.