As a prime sponsor of the legislation establishing the America 250–Colorado 150 Commission, Catlin reflects on the people, history, and years of work behind Colorado's sesquicentennial celebration.

Denver, Colorado - Friday, July 31, 2026 - Coloradans are celebrating Colorado Day as the state marks the 150th anniversary of Colorado's admission to the Union on August 1, 1876. Communities across Colorado are commemorating the sesquicentennial with events honoring the state's history, culture, and the people who have shaped Colorado for a century and a half.

This historic celebration has been years in the making. As a prime sponsor of the legislation establishing the America 250–Colorado 150 Commission in 2022 and subsequent legislation supporting its work, Senator Marc Catlin helped lay the groundwork for the statewide planning and coordination that made Colorado's sesquicentennial celebration possible.

"Colorado Day is more than the anniversary of our state's admission to the Union," said Senator Marc Catlin. "It is an opportunity to celebrate the people, places, and values that have made Colorado the greatest state in the nation. It reminds us of where we've been, challenges us to consider where we're going, and inspires us to leave an even stronger Colorado for the generations that follow."

"These celebrations have been years in the making, and it's wonderful to see communities across Colorado bringing our shared history to life," said Catlin. "From the very beginning, we wanted these commemorations to belong to every Coloradan. Colorado's story wasn't written by one community or one generation. It was written across the Western Slope, the Eastern Plains, our mountain communities, our cities, and every place in between. Every region has helped shape the Colorado we know today."

"Colorado's story is written every day by the farmers and ranchers who feed our communities, the stewards of our land and natural resources who care for the places we treasure, the small businesses that strengthen our local economies, and the tourism and recreation industries that welcome visitors from around the world. Most importantly, it is written by the families who choose to build their lives here, raise the next generation, and pass on the values that make Colorado such a remarkable place to call home."

"As we celebrate 150 years of Colorado, we are reminded that our state's story is part of America's story," said Catlin. "The same spirit of opportunity, independence, stewardship, hard work, and service that helped build our nation also built Colorado. I'm grateful to my fellow legislators, the members of the America 250–Colorado 150 Commission, History Colorado, local communities, volunteers, and the countless Coloradans whose years of dedication made this celebration possible. The greatest legacy we can leave is a Colorado that is every bit as strong, beautiful, and full of opportunity for the next generation as it has been for us."

Colorado State Senator Marc Catlin represents the seven counties of Delta, Eagle, Garfield, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, and Pitkin. Senator Catlin is a member of the Agriculture & Natural Resources; Transportation & Energy; and Business, Labor, & Technology Committees. Senator Catlin also serves as a Member of the Colorado Tourism Board.