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The 1881 Colorado state capital referendum was convened to establish the permanent seat of state government, a determination deferred by the state constitution ratified in 1876.
Answer: True
The 1881 Colorado state capital referendum was convened to establish the permanent seat of state government, a determination deferred by the state constitution ratified in 1876.
A popular vote was deemed unnecessary for determining Colorado's permanent capital in 1881 because the constitution explicitly named Denver.
Answer: False
The Colorado state constitution deliberately postponed the decision on the permanent capital until 1881, mandating a popular vote rather than naming a specific city, to avoid potential opposition during its ratification.
Historically, Colorado City served as the initial territorial capital, followed by Golden, before Denver ultimately became the temporary state capital preceding the 1881 referendum.
Answer: True
The historical progression of Colorado's capitals included Colorado City, then Golden, before Denver was established as the temporary state capital, a status it held until the 1881 referendum.
Denver had functioned as the temporary territorial capital since 1861 and continued in this capacity as the temporary state capital following 1876.
Answer: True
Denver's long-standing role as the temporary territorial capital since 1861, and subsequently as the temporary state capital after 1876, provided it with established infrastructure and political leverage leading up to the 1881 referendum.
Pueblo had previously been designated as the territorial capital in 1874 by the territorial house of representatives.
Answer: True
Pueblo had indeed been designated the territorial capital by the Colorado territorial house of representatives in 1874, although this designation did not pass the territorial senate.
Denver's long tenure as the temporary capital provided it with minimal political influence leading up to the 1881 referendum.
Answer: False
Denver's extended period as the temporary capital, from 1861 onwards, conferred significant political influence and established infrastructure, which was advantageous in the capital race.
What was the fundamental reason for holding the 1881 Colorado state capital referendum?
Answer: To fulfill a requirement in the state constitution to choose a permanent capital city.
The state constitution mandated that a permanent capital be chosen via popular vote, deferring this decision until 1881 to avoid contention during the state's initial admission.
Why did the Colorado state constitution postpone the decision on the permanent capital until 1881?
Answer: To prevent opposition that might have prevented the constitution's ratification.
The decision was deferred to avoid contentious debate during the constitution's ratification process, thereby ensuring its approval.
Which city served as the territorial capital before Colorado City and Golden, and then became the temporary state capital until 1881?
Answer: Denver
Denver served as the temporary territorial capital from 1861 and continued as the temporary state capital after 1876 until the 1881 referendum confirmed its permanent status.
What previous legislative action indicated Pueblo's past interest in becoming the territorial capital?
Answer: The territorial house passed a bill to make Pueblo the capital in 1874, though it failed in the senate.
In 1874, the Colorado territorial house of representatives approved a bill to designate Pueblo as the capital, though this measure did not secure passage in the territorial senate.
Denver, Pueblo, and Golden were the only municipalities actively campaigning to become Colorado's permanent state capital in the 1881 referendum.
Answer: False
The assertion that Denver, Pueblo, and Golden were the exclusive contenders is inaccurate; other municipalities, such as Colorado Springs and Canon City, also actively participated in the campaign.
Denver's rivals in the 1881 referendum primarily focused their campaigns on highlighting Denver's existing infrastructure advantages.
Answer: False
Denver's rivals did not emphasize Denver's infrastructure; instead, they sought to exploit existing antipathy towards Denver and presented their own cities as viable alternatives.
Leadville and Silver Cliff, despite being populous towns, actively campaigned to become the state capital in 1881.
Answer: False
Despite their significant populations, Leadville and Silver Cliff did not mount active campaigns to secure the state capital designation in the 1881 referendum.
Denver's campaign strategy involved promising to host all state institutions, including the university and school of mines, within the city limits.
Answer: False
Denver's strategy included pledging to support the placement of state institutions like the university and school of mines *outside* of Denver, in an effort to garner broader support.
Businessman Henry Brown offered to donate land for the state capitol building, but only if Denver was *not* chosen as the capital.
Answer: False
Businessman Henry Brown offered to donate ten acres of land for the state capitol building, contingent upon Denver being selected as the capital.
Critics suggested Henry Brown's land offer for the capitol site was motivated by potential increases in his own property values.
Answer: True
Critics questioned the altruism of Henry Brown's land donation offer, positing that his ownership of adjacent properties suggested a motive of personal financial gain through increased land value.
Colorado Springs emphasized its large industrial base and proximity to mining operations in its bid for the capital.
Answer: False
Colorado Springs highlighted its rapidly growing population and genteel atmosphere, contrasting it with Denver, rather than emphasizing industrial or mining connections.
Colorado Springs had a population of over 10,000 in 1880, making it the second largest city in Colorado.
Answer: False
In 1880, Colorado Springs had a population of 4,226, ranking it as the fourth most populous city, not the second largest with over 10,000 inhabitants.
Canon City was awarded the territorial prison after losing the contest for the state capital.
Answer: True
Following its unsuccessful bid for the state capital designation in 1881, Canon City was awarded the territorial prison.
Salida, founded shortly before 1880, conducted an extensive campaign involving rallies and public debates for the capital position.
Answer: False
Salida's campaign efforts were primarily limited to editorials published in its local newspaper, the Mountain Mail, rather than extensive public rallies or debates.
Denver's population in 1880 was approximately 35,629, representing a significant increase from 1870.
Answer: True
Denver experienced substantial population growth, reaching approximately 35,629 inhabitants by 1880, a marked increase from its 1870 census figure.
Colorado Springs was the most populous town in Colorado in 1880.
Answer: False
In 1880, Denver was the most populous town in Colorado. Colorado Springs, with a population of 4,226, ranked fourth.
Pueblo's population in 1880 was higher than Colorado Springs'.
Answer: False
Pueblo's population in 1880 was 3,217, which was lower than Colorado Springs' population of 4,226.
Salida's campaign for the capital was primarily based on its geographical centrality within Colorado.
Answer: True
Salida's campaign efforts, notably through its newspaper, emphasized its claim of geographical centrality within Colorado, even utilizing a distorted map to support this assertion.
Which of the following cities was NOT among those actively campaigning to become Colorado's permanent state capital in 1881?
Answer: Leadville
While Leadville was a populous town, it did not actively campaign for the state capital designation in the 1881 referendum, unlike Denver, Pueblo, and Colorado Springs.
What strategy did Denver's rivals employ in the 1881 referendum?
Answer: They capitalized on existing antipathy towards Denver and presented their cities as alternatives.
Rival cities sought to leverage negative sentiment towards Denver, positioning themselves as more suitable alternatives for the state capital.
Which of the following towns, despite being populous, did NOT actively campaign for the state capital in 1881?
Answer: Leadville
Leadville, although populous, did not engage in an active campaign for the state capital designation in 1881.
How did Denver attempt to gain support from other cities during its campaign?
Answer: By pledging to support the placement of other state institutions outside Denver.
Denver's campaign committee assured other cities that it sought only the capital designation and pledged support for locating other state institutions elsewhere.
What conditional offer did businessman Henry Brown make to aid Denver's bid for the state capital?
Answer: He offered to donate ten acres of land for the state capitol building.
Businessman Henry Brown proposed donating ten acres of land for the state capitol, provided Denver was selected as the capital.
What criticism was leveled against Henry Brown's land donation offer?
Answer: Brown owned adjacent land, suggesting his motive was personal profit.
Critics suggested that Henry Brown's offer to donate land for the capitol was primarily motivated by his ownership of adjacent properties, anticipating a rise in their value.
What characteristics did Colorado Springs emphasize in its bid for the state capital?
Answer: Its rapidly growing population and genteel atmosphere, contrasting with Denver.
Colorado Springs promoted its burgeoning population and refined ambiance as distinguishing features, contrasting them with Denver's more established character.
What was the population of Colorado Springs in 1880, and how did its real estate market behave?
Answer: Population 4,226; real estate prices surged.
Colorado Springs had a population of 4,226 in 1880, and optimism surrounding its capital bid led to a significant surge in its real estate market.
What distinction was awarded to Canon City after it failed to win the state capital designation in 1881?
Answer: It was awarded the territorial prison.
Following its unsuccessful bid for the state capital, Canon City was designated as the location for the territorial prison.
How did Salida, a town founded shortly before the 1880 census, primarily conduct its campaign for the state capital?
Answer: Mainly through editorials in its weekly newspaper, the Mountain Mail.
Salida's campaign efforts were predominantly channeled through editorials in its newspaper, the Mountain Mail, which also featured a geographically misleading map.
What was the population of Pueblo in 1880, placing it relative to other Colorado towns?
Answer: It had a population of 3,217, ranking outside the top five.
Pueblo's population in 1880 was 3,217, which placed it outside the top five most populous towns in Colorado at that time.
The outcome of the 1881 Colorado state capital referendum officially designated Denver as the permanent state capital.
Answer: True
The 1881 Colorado state capital referendum concluded with Denver being formally selected as the permanent state capital through a statewide popular vote.
The referendum to decide Colorado's permanent state capital was held on November 8, 1881, with 45,497 total votes cast.
Answer: True
The statewide referendum to determine Colorado's permanent state capital took place on November 8, 1881, and recorded a total of 45,497 votes.
Voter turnout in Pueblo County strongly favored candidates other than Pueblo in the 1881 referendum.
Answer: False
Voter turnout in Pueblo County demonstrated overwhelming support for Pueblo itself, with 2,039 votes cast for the city compared to only 44 for other towns within the county.
Denver secured its victory in the 1881 referendum by winning a majority on the first ballot, thus avoiding the need for a runoff.
Answer: True
Denver achieved a decisive victory by securing a majority of the votes on the initial ballot, rendering subsequent runoff elections unnecessary and confirming its status as the permanent state capital.
Denver received approximately 50% of the total votes cast in the 1881 Colorado state capital referendum.
Answer: False
Denver secured a clear majority, receiving 66.48% of the total votes cast in the 1881 referendum, which is significantly more than 50%.
Colorado Springs received the second-highest number of votes in the 1881 Colorado state capital referendum.
Answer: False
Pueblo finished second in the vote count for the 1881 capital referendum, not Colorado Springs.
Denver, Pueblo, and Colorado Springs were the top three vote-getters in the 1881 capital referendum.
Answer: True
The official results of the 1881 capital referendum show Denver, Pueblo, and Colorado Springs as the three cities receiving the highest number of votes.
A significant number of votes, totaling 748, were cast for 'Other cities' in the 1881 referendum.
Answer: True
In the 1881 referendum, 748 votes were categorized under 'Other cities,' representing a notable portion of the total ballots cast for minor contenders.
The 1881 referendum required multiple rounds of voting because no city achieved a majority on the first ballot.
Answer: False
The 1881 referendum did not require multiple rounds of voting, as Denver secured a majority of the votes on the first ballot.
Pueblo received 13.29% of the total vote in the 1881 capital referendum.
Answer: True
Pueblo garnered 13.29% of the total votes cast in the 1881 capital referendum, securing second place in the election results.
What was the final outcome of the 1881 Colorado state capital referendum?
Answer: Denver was chosen as the permanent state capital.
The referendum concluded with Denver being officially designated as the permanent state capital, having secured a majority of the votes cast.
What was the total number of votes cast in the November 8, 1881, referendum for Colorado's state capital?
Answer: 45,497
The statewide referendum held on November 8, 1881, recorded a total of 45,497 votes.
Denver secured its win in the 1881 referendum by:
Answer: Achieving a majority of votes on the first ballot.
Denver's victory was secured by obtaining a majority of the votes cast on the initial ballot, thereby concluding the election without the need for further rounds.
Which city finished second in the vote count for the 1881 Colorado state capital referendum?
Answer: Pueblo
Pueblo secured the second position in the vote count for the 1881 capital referendum, following Denver's decisive win.
The Pueblo Chieftain argued that Pueblo was the most pleasant city for the capital and had adequate facilities for legislators.
Answer: True
The Pueblo Chieftain advocated for Pueblo's candidacy by asserting its pleasant atmosphere and suitability for accommodating legislators.
Arapahoe County delayed its vote count to manipulate the results in favor of Denver.
Answer: False
While Arapahoe County did delay its vote count, the implication of deliberate manipulation is not explicitly stated; the delay allowed for the aggregation of votes, which ultimately favored Denver.
Following the referendum, Denver was praised for its transparent and ethical campaign practices.
Answer: False
Contrary to praise, Denver faced significant accusations of vote buying and bribery following the referendum, indicating a lack of transparency and ethical conduct.
The Colorado Springs Gazette believed the referendum was conducted fairly and without corruption.
Answer: False
The Colorado Springs Gazette strongly condemned the referendum process, characterizing it as a 'terrible political contest' marred by fraud and corruption.
The Salida Mountain Mail editor viewed Denver's alleged bribery and vote-buying as a negative consequence for the state.
Answer: False
While acknowledging Denver's alleged bribery and vote-buying, the Salida Mountain Mail editor framed these actions, paradoxically, as a form of public service that supported newspapers and citizens.
The Pueblo Chieftain suggested that avoiding the capital designation protected Pueblo from negative influences like legislative lobbying.
Answer: True
The Pueblo Chieftain adopted a positive interpretation of Pueblo's loss, suggesting it shielded the city from the 'corrupting influences of a legislative lobby' and other negative societal impacts.
How did the Pueblo Chieftain advocate for Pueblo's candidacy as the state capital?
Answer: By highlighting its pleasant atmosphere and adequate accommodations for legislators.
The Pueblo Chieftain promoted Pueblo by emphasizing its agreeable environment and sufficient facilities for legislative members.
How did Arapahoe County's vote count contribute to Denver's victory?
Answer: It reported a large number of votes for Denver after other counties had reported.
Arapahoe County, which included Denver, delayed its vote release until other counties had reported. Its subsequent tally showed a substantial number of votes for Denver, significantly bolstering its total.
What accusations were made against Denver following the 1881 referendum results?
Answer: It engaged in vote buying and bribing newspaper editors.
Following the referendum, Denver faced accusations of unethical practices, including vote buying and the bribery of newspaper editors, to secure its victory.
How did the Colorado Springs Gazette react to the conduct of the 1881 capital referendum?
Answer: It condemned the election process, citing fraud and corruption.
The Colorado Springs Gazette expressed strong disapproval of the referendum's conduct, denouncing it as fraudulent and corrupt.
The Pueblo Chieftain suggested that not winning the capital status had a positive effect by:
Answer: Protecting the city from the 'corrupting influences of a legislative lobby'.
The Pueblo Chieftain posited that failing to secure the capital designation also meant evading the negative impacts associated with legislative lobbying and political maneuvering.
Cripple Creek is often cited in historical myths as a serious contender for the Colorado state capital in 1881, despite not existing at the time.
Answer: True
The town of Cripple Creek, founded in 1892, is frequently mentioned in historical myths as a contender for the 1881 state capital, an anachronism that highlights the nature of such legends.
A common myth suggests that Denver narrowly defeated Laporte by a single vote in the 1881 referendum.
Answer: True
A prevalent myth asserts that Denver's victory over Laporte in the 1881 capital referendum was decided by a margin of only one vote.
The myth surrounding Central City's loss in the capital referendum claims they lost by a margin of several hundred votes.
Answer: False
The myth concerning Central City's defeat in the capital referendum typically claims they lost by a single vote, not several hundred.
Which town is often mentioned in historical myths as a contender for the capital, despite being founded much later in 1892?
Answer: Cripple Creek
Cripple Creek, established in 1892, is frequently cited in historical myths as a participant in the 1881 capital referendum, illustrating the nature of such legends.
What is a common theme in historical myths regarding the vote count for towns like Central City and Laporte in the 1881 referendum?
Answer: They lost to Denver by a single vote.
A recurring mythical narrative suggests that towns such as Central City and Laporte lost the capital referendum to Denver by a margin of a single vote.
The arrival of the Kansas Pacific Railroad in 1870 significantly contributed to Denver's growth and its strong position in the capital race.
Answer: True
The establishment of the Kansas Pacific Railroad's eastward connection in 1870 was a pivotal factor in Denver's development, solidifying its role as a central hub and enhancing its prospects in the capital competition.
The Kansas Pacific Railroad's eastward connection in 1870 was instrumental in establishing Denver as a central hub.
Answer: True
The 1870 eastward connection established by the Kansas Pacific Railroad was a critical development that positioned Denver as a primary hub for commerce and transportation within Colorado.
The Colorado State Capitol building depicted in the image was completed in 1908.
Answer: True
The Colorado State Capitol building, a significant landmark, was completed in 1908.
What major infrastructure development significantly boosted Denver's growth and its chances in the capital race?
Answer: The establishment of a railroad connection eastward by the Kansas Pacific Railroad.
The 1870 eastward connection of the Kansas Pacific Railroad was crucial for Denver's development, establishing it as a vital transportation hub and strengthening its position.
Denver's population growth between 1870 and 1880 was largely driven by:
Answer: The Kansas Pacific Railroad's eastward connection.
The establishment of the Kansas Pacific Railroad's eastward connection in 1870 was a primary catalyst for Denver's substantial population increase between 1870 and 1880.
The Colorado State Capitol building, completed in 1908, is located in which city?
Answer: Denver
The Colorado State Capitol building, which was completed in 1908, is situated in Denver.