Celebrating

Colorado 150 Southwest

Make History with Us!

white mountain divider
Celebrating

Colorado 150 Southwest

Make History with Us!

white mountain divider
Celebrating

Colorado 150 Southwest

Make History with Us!

white mountain divider

America 250 - Colorado 150
Commemorating our Past, Preparing for our Future

On July 4, 2026, the United States of America will observe the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  One month later, on August 1, 2026, Colorado, the “Centennial State”, will celebrate 150 years of statehood. These twin milestones are a rare and exciting opportunity to unite with fellow Coloradans and Americans around our shared ideals and imagine our future together. 

In Southwest Colorado, we’re adding to the state’s efforts, our own layers of nonpartisan commemorative experiences and activities. Check out this website’s tab “Our Initiatives” for the latest updates on what dedicated and motivated volunteers are working on RIGHT NOW to make the most of this window of time that the dual commemorations provide us. Join in on the many ways we’re approaching the rare opportunity to know ourselves better with a focus on history from all of the perspectives of those who lived it and help chart the course to living together with deeper understanding and appreciation for our heritage and our future.

Add your email to our newsletter by signing up on this website, we don’t send spam and will take you off if you request that. Even better, come to one of the Southwest Colorado’s local organizing committee meetings, either in person or by Zoom, to hear how you and your favorite organizations can get involved. 2026 is not far away and, even this summer of 2025, you’ll start to see what your friends and neighbors have been working on for all of us to spend time together having fun, reflecting on the past and appreciating what we can make happen in the future, together.

Join us in planning community events, fostering historic preservation, developing educational opportunities, gathering in the community, and more. Let’s celebrate our collective journey and look ahead to our shared future. 

Columbine official Colorado flower

What’s Happening Around Southwest Colorado, the State, and the Nation

The Colorado Commission has designated “250-150” regions across the state and organizing committees have formed at the local level. We are the Southwest Colorado Local Organizing Committee (LOC) comprised of eight counties. The SW Colorado LOC’s counties are, alphabetically: Archuleta, Dolores, Hinsdale, La Plata, Montezuma, Ouray, San Juan and San Miguel. Our LOC is open to all interested volunteers who will help guide, support, and promote activities and events to celebrate and commemorate our shared history, honoring what makes Southwest Colorado, its history, landscape and people unique, while also an important part of the state of Colorado and our nation.

We have LOC Signature Initiatives (projects) already underway that you can be a part of - many are focused on fun, interactive experiences for all ages about the history and heritage of SW Colorado, going as far back as Ancestral Puebloan days to today. We also can help promote your organization and activities for the dual commemorations. This website contains information on planning, events, and opportunities to join this history-making journey in Southwest Colorado. 

Check in often for news and updates on local activities!

  • Colorado flag and American flag blowing in wind together

    Get Involved

    Get information on participating in community celebrations, programs, and events. We are here to help you join this celebration with your own event!

  • cover of the Passport project

    Our Initiatives

    Learn more about the signature projects we are working on now in 2025 and all through 2026 to celebrate these historic dual commemorations.

  • Calendar of Events

    Check out upcoming history and heritage events all around the Southwest Region!

Stay up-to-date with events across the nation and Colorado

Colorado 150 America 250 Logo
America 250 Logo

What’s happening around Colorado for 2026. Learn more at historycolorado.org.

Follow nationwide events and celebrations. Learn more at america250.org.

Colorful Colorado

Stories, histories, and tales that shaped Colorado