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.

How Does Colorado's Oldest Town Compare To Neighboring States?

How old is the first town established in Colorado compared to the very first towns established in our neighboring states? Can you guess which 'first town' is the oldest?

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

MORE: 11 Cool Facts About Colorado’s Oldest Scenic and Historic Byway

Colorado's Peak to Peak Historic and Scenic Byway was the first road built to show off our state's forestlands and mountain peaks of the Front Range. Keep reading to learn eleven cool facts you may not have known about the first scenic byway to open in Colorado in 1918.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

Photos: Tour One of Colorado's Oldest Ghost Towns in St. Elmo

Founded in 1880, it was said the residents of St. Elmo took the last train out of town and never came back.

WARNING: Under no circumstances should you enter this property. By doing so you risk bodily harm and/or prosecution for trespassing on private property.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

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