It was not easy for Colorado to become the 38th state in America. Colorado became a territory in 1861, but red tape and administrative errors resulted in a more than 10-year delay before Colorado was officially a part of the Union. No doubt the early days were full of chaos.

By 1905, Colorado encountered another major controversy when the state had to fire its Governor. Did you know that March 17th, 1905, was the day that Colorado had three different Governors in one day?

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Colorado Governor Alva Adams

Governor Alva Adams
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Governor Alva Adams was Colorado's 5th, 10th, and 14th Governor. Adams County, Colorado, gets its name from Governor Alva Adams. He served from 1887 to 1889, 1897 to 1899, and again in 1905. Adams ran against Colorado's previous Governor, James Peabody, in 1904. It was a heated race, with both men accusing the other of being an illegitimate Governor.

Colorado Election Improprieties

Colorado Governor Candidates in 1905
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Both Alva Adams and James Peabody accused each other of being illegitimate Governors. Go figure that BOTH men would be found guilty of illegal electoral practices in 1904. More attention is given to Adams who somehow was awarded 717 votes in a district with only 100 registered voters. By March 1905, it was time to look at the evidence. Both men proved to be unworthy to continue. So how did Colorado resolve this election?

Adams would be stripped of the office of Governor in favor of Peabody, but only if Peabody agreed to immediately resign and turn over power to his Lt. Governor.

Colorado's 3rd Governor In A Single Day

Colorado Governor Jesse Fuller McDonald
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The third time is the charm, right? By the end of the day March 17th, 1905, Coloradans welcomed Jesse Fuller McDonald as the 16th Governor of Colorado. The event would go down in history as the day Colorado had three Governors in just 24 hours.

How Much Do You Know About the Odd History of Colorado and Wyoming?

Here's a deep dive of fun facts about Colorado and Wyoming for you to share at your next "Border War" party.

Gallery Credit: Chris Kelly

The Sinister History of an Abandoned Colorado Institution

The story of Ridge House at the Colorado State Home and Training School is a complicated and dark tale. This mental hospital was home to about 1500 patients during its peak. Allegations of mistreatment of patients surfaced over the years and seemed to continue even after Ridge House was closed.

Gallery Credit: Wes Adams

Exploring the History of Grand Junction, Colorado: From Frontier Town to Small City

If you came to western Colorado in 1880, you probably never would have guessed how the valley would look in 2023. Check out a timeline of significant events that brought Grand Junction from the frontier to a small city from 1880 to 1900.

Gallery Credit: Wes Adams

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