How Does Colorado’s Oldest Town Compare to Ones In Neighboring States?

Do you know which town is the oldest one in Colorado? Is the oldest town in Colorado older than some of the oldest towns in our neighboring states?

Read More: The Legacy Of Colorado's First Paved Road: Santa Fe Drive

Colorado became the 38th state on August 1st, 1876. Even though 12 more states were added to the Union after this date, Colorado's 'first town' is the youngest of all 50 states. How is this possible?

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America's Oldest 'First Town'

America's oldest 'first town' was established in 1565. Even though Florida wasn't recognized as a state until 1845, St. Augustine became a town established by the Spanish nearly 200 years prior. Some of America's oldest towns were established long before the states they are in, especially if they are located in an area that used to be part of another nation before it was a part of the United States.

Colorado's 'First Town'

The first town established in Colorado was the town of San Luis. The town was first a part of the New Mexico territory but was included as a part of Colorado when the land became a state in 1876. Tap this link to learn 13 things you may not have known about Colorado's oldest town.

Read More: These 7 Historic Structures are Colorado’s Oldest Buildings

Oldest Neighboring 'First Town'

Only Nevada, Washington, Idaho, and Wyoming are home to 'first towns' that are younger than San Luis in Colorado. One of the oldest 'first towns' in America is located just south of Colorado in New Mexico. Did you know the city of Santa Fe dates back to 1607? Founded by the Spanish, St. Augustine and Santa Fe are two of the oldest cities in America.