51³Ô¹ÏÍø

The Centennial of the United States was a momentous year in the Rockies: The Colorado territory became the State of Colorado, the union’s 38th, and the University of Colorado was formally established in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.

In this southward view of campus from 140 years ago, Old Main stands alone in the distance, top left, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s first and only building. To the west, there’s nary a structure on The Hill. All else that CU would become is pure possibility.

Photo courtesy 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Historical Society Collection of the Carnegie Branch for Local History - Digital Restoration by Mona Lambrecht