Colorado

One of the Western States. In shape it is nearly rectangular, being limited by parallels and meridians. Its area is 103,925 sq. m. The e. part consists of rolling plains, sloping gently eastward. The central portion is a higli and intricate mountain region, containing many ranges exceeding 14,000 ft. in height. The w. portion is a region of plateaus, descending toward the basin of the C. The industries are agriculture, cattle, and sheep raising and mining. Of silver it is the largest producer in the U. S. Its annual prod production of the precious metals is ab. $36,000,000. Large quantities of coal are mined, the principal areas of production oduction being being being alo along the e. base of the mountains. The region was explored by Gen. Fremont 1843, but it was not until the discovery of gold in 1858 that immigration began. The territory was organized 1861 from portions of Utah, Kansas, Nebraska, and New Mexico. In 1864 it was the seat of an Indian war. Since 1865 the growth has been continuous and rapid. It was admitted as a State in 1877; the capital is Denver. Pop., 1890, 412,198. (See Map on page 332.)