Welcome to Colorful Colorado, a Brief History of the Iconic Sign

If you've ever driven along Interstate 70 and crossed the Colorado state line, chances are you've seen the iconic "Welcome to Colorful Colorado" sign. It's become a staple for tourists and residents alike, with many stopping to snap a photo with the sign as a memento of their visit to the beautiful Centennial State. But do you know the history behind these famous signs and their colorful past?

The story of the "Welcome to Colorful Colorado" signs dates back to 1950, just after the end of World War II. At the time, Colorado was a mostly rural mountain state, with a small population and little recognition on the national stage. The State Director of Publicity, who was tasked with promoting Colorado as a tourist destination and attracting new residents, came up with the idea of creating a welcoming sign for the state's borders.

To bring this idea to life, the Colorado State Penitentiary was enlisted to manufacture the signs. Inmates at the penitentiary used their skills in metalworking and painting to craft the first "Welcome to Colorful Colorado" sign, which was installed at the Raton Pass along the Colorado-New Mexico border on US 85-87 in southern Colorado. The sign quickly became a symbol of the state's warm hospitality and inviting atmosphere for travelers entering Colorado.

Lisa Schoch, the senior historian with the Colorado Department of Transportation, explains that the signs are not only a reflection of Colorado's history, but also a representation of the state's search for identity and establishment as a unique destination. "They're very representative of a period in our state's history," Schoch says. "It was before we kind of politically became more important on the map. We were kind of just one of those rural western states, so [the sign] kind of represents that searching for identity and trying to establish identity as a state."

Over the years, the "Welcome to Colorful Colorado" signs have become a beloved symbol of the state's warm welcome to visitors and new residents alike. Today, there are a total of 41 signs located along the roadways entering Colorado from different directions, including highways, interstates, and state routes. These signs have become iconic landmarks, often serving as a photo op for travelers who want to capture their memories of entering the beautiful state of Colorado.

The design of the "Welcome to Colorful Colorado" sign has remained relatively unchanged over the years. The signs feature a rectangular shape with a white background and bold black lettering, with the word "Colorado" written in red, blue, yellow, and green, evoking the state's colorful landscapes and diverse natural beauty. The signs are typically mounted on a metal frame and positioned at the state line or along major highways, making them highly visible to passing motorists.

In addition to their iconic design, the "Welcome to Colorful Colorado" signs also carry historical significance. As Colorado has evolved from a mostly rural western state to a thriving and diverse state with a booming tourism industry, these signs have come to represent the state's unique character and spirit. They serve as a reminder of Colorado's rich history, its natural beauty, and its warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The "Welcome to Colorful Colorado" signs have also become a popular subject of conversation and fascination among travelers and locals alike. Many people wonder about the story behind these signs and the history that they represent. Some may not know that the signs were created by inmates at the Colorado State Penitentiary, adding an interesting layer of intrigue to their origins. This little-known fact adds to the colorful past of these iconic signs and underscores their significance in Colorado's history.

Over the years, the "Welcome to Colorful Colorado" signs have become more than just a greeting for travelers entering the state. They have become a symbol of pride.