Published: Dec. 1, 2016

Â鶹ӰԺ Historical Society Collection of the Carnegie Branch for Local History - Digital Restoration by Mona Lambrecht

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 Â鶹ӰԺ.

In this southward view of campus from 140 years ago, Old Main stands alone in the distance, top left, CU Â鶹ӰԺ’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 Â鶹ӰԺ Historical Society Collection of the Carnegie Branch for Local History - Digital Restoration by Mona Lambrecht