On July 4, 2026, the United States of America will observe the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. One month later, on August 1, 2026, Colorado will celebrate 150 years of statehood. These twin milestones are an exciting opportunity to unite with fellow Coloradans and Americans around our shared ideals and imagine our future together.
The America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission was established by state legislation to guide Colorado’s commemorations in ways that enable all Coloradans to participate. We want you to join us in planning community events, fostering historic preservation, developing educational opportunities, gathering in the community, and more.
Let’s celebrate our collective journey and look ahead to our shared future.
Join us for our launch party on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, from 5:30-7pm at the Durango & Silverton Railroad Museum, 479 Main St. in Durango.
“So many have worked so hard to get us to this point,” says Southwest Colorado LOC Chair Ellen Roberts. This launch party will celebrate what we have accomplished and unveil news of what lies ahead. We can’t wait to share it all on November 20.”
For over a year, we have been meeting, planning, and discussing how we will honor and celebrate the twin anniversaries of 2026 of our nation’s birth and Colorado’s statehood. We have momentum… a newsletter, a new website, brochures, an exhibit at the Cowboy Gathering on October 5, and a host of Signature Initiatives in the works.
We are ready for 2025 and excited for 2026.
The Commission has created eight regional planning and organizing groups. We are the Southwest Colorado region, which is comprised of nine counties. Local Organizing Committees, staffed entirely of volunteers, will guide, support, and promote activities and events within our region. Our support is free, and we hope to financially assist some activities eventually.
Our website contains information on planning, events, and opportunities to join this history-making journey in Southwest Colorado.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (DS&NG) is our first corporate sponsor, supporting the innovative Passport to Southwest Colorado. Fourth-grade teachers throughout our eight-county region are creating the passport project to introduce students to the places, sites, and events that reflect our Southwest culture and heritage.