Denver, CO
Capital of Colorado
Known as “The Mile High City”
Overview
Denver is the capital city of Colorado, located in the West region of the United States. Founded in 1858, the city has grown to a population of approximately 713,252 residents within a state of 5,773,714 people. As both the largest city and capital of Colorado, Denver serves as the political, administrative, and economic center of the state.
The city is home to the Colorado State Capitol, a Neoclassical Corinthian structure that has been a landmark since its completion in 1894. Designed by Elijah E. Myers, the capitol building stands as a testament to the state's history and governance, attracting visitors from across the country and around the world.
Denver has served as the capital of Colorado since 1867. Before Denver, the state's capital was located in Colorado City and Golden.
Colorado State Capitol
The Colorado State Capitol in Denver is distinguished by its 24-karat gold-leafed dome, which commemorates the state's Gold Rush heritage. The building is constructed from Colorado white granite and features a grand staircase of rose onyx, a rare stone found only in Colorado. The 13th step on the west side of the building is exactly one mile above sea level, marked with a brass marker.
U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
Notable Features
- 24-karat gold-leafed dome
- Rose onyx grand staircase (world's entire known supply used)
- Mile High marker on the 13th step of the west entrance
- Colorado white granite exterior
- Stained glass portraits of notable Coloradans in the rotunda
- Mr. Brown's Attic observation area in the dome
Media Gallery
Original footage coming soon! User-submitted photos welcome.
Fun Facts & Trivia
- ★The 13th step on the west side is exactly 5,280 feet (one mile) above sea level, marked with a brass cap.
- ★The dome was originally covered in copper but was gilded with 200 ounces of 24-karat gold leaf donated by Colorado miners in 1908.
- ★The building's rose onyx wainscoting used the entire known world supply of this rare stone.
- ★Denver was not the original capital -- the first territorial capitals included Colorado City and Golden.
- ★You can climb 99 steps inside the dome to reach an observation deck with panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains.
- ★The capitol faces west, toward the mountains, rather than the traditional east orientation.