The rise of the Centennial State

the long version

"This is the first single-volume history of the Colorado territory, encompassing the entire territorial period from the beginning of the Civil War to 1876, when Colorado became a state. The Rise of the Centennial State traces the growth of the territory as new technologies increased mining profits and as new modes of transportation - especially the Union Pacific and Kansas Pacific railroads - opened the territory to eastern markets, bringing waves of settlers to farm, ranch, and establish new communities."--book jacket.