Part of The Hardy Histories of the States of America Series

From the ancient Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde to the gleaming skylines of Denver and Boulder, Colorado's story is one of dramatic transformation shaped by towering peaks, rushing rivers, and the indomitable spirit of those who called this rugged land home.

In The Centennial State, acclaimed historian Daniel Hardy traces Colorado's remarkable journey from Native American hunting grounds through Spanish exploration, the Pike's Peak Gold Rush that brought tens of thousands of fortune-seekers westward, and the state's pivotal role in America's westward expansion. Hardy masterfully weaves together the stories of Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho peoples; Mexican ranchers; ambitious miners; railroad barons; and pioneering families who carved communities from an unforgiving wilderness.

This comprehensive history explores how Colorado's unique geography—from the Great Plains to the Continental Divide—shaped its development as a crossroads of cultures, commerce, and conflict. Hardy examines the boom-and-bust cycles of mining, the agricultural transformation of the Eastern Plains, the rise of cattle ranching, and the environmental challenges that continue to define the state today.

With vivid storytelling and meticulous research, Hardy brings to life the colorful characters who built Colorado: from Chief Ouray and Kit Carson to mining magnate Horace Tabor and social reformer Frances Willard. He chronicles the state's evolution from territorial status through statehood in 1876—America's centennial year—to its emergence as a modern hub of energy, technology, and outdoor recreation.

The Centennial State reveals how Colorado's legacy of independence, innovation, and natural beauty continues to attract dreamers and adventurers, making it an essential read for anyone seeking to understand this remarkable state's enduring appeal and complex heritage.