Celebrating Colorado’s Sesquicentennial: A Look at Delta County’s Rich History

As Colorado gears up for its exciting Sesquicentennial Colorado 150/ US 250 celebrations in August of 2026,  it’s the perfect time to reflect on the diverse stories that make our state unique. One such story is that of Delta County, a region steeped in the spirit of pioneering and natural abundance.

River in Delta, Colorado -Fall

The Colorado Territory was created on February 28,1861, by  U.S. President James Buchanan and officially became a state on August 1, 1876 by U. S. President Ulysses S. Grant. Delta County was officially founded on February 11, 1883.

Its name is derived from the City of Delta, which earned its moniker due to its strategic location on the delta of the Uncompahgre River. This geographical feature played a crucial role in shaping the county’s development.

Delta County is comprised of the City of Delta, and the Towns of Hotchkiss, Crawford, Cedaredge, Paonia and Orchard City.

Delta County’s rich agricultural heritage starts with it’s early inhabitants building a thriving community  that continues today through ranching, mining, fruitful orchards ( pun very intended) and wineries.

Inside Fort Uncompahgre- DCT

To truly appreciate Delta County’s past, a visit to its historical societies and museums is a must. These institutions serve as guardians of the county’s heritage, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who shaped it.

• Delta County Historical Society Museum: Located in the City of Delta, this museum offers an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits detailing the county’s history. You can learn more at: https://www.deltacountymuseum.org/
• North Fork Historical Society: Situated in Paonia, this society focuses on the unique history of the North Fork Valley. Discover more about them on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PaoniaMuseum
• Hotchkiss-Crawford Historical Museum: In Hotchkiss, this museum preserves the history of the Hotchkiss and Crawford areas. Visit their website for more information: https://hchsmuseum.org/
• Fort Uncompahgre Interpretive Center: The original Fort Uncompahgre was a Central hub for trade and travel routes throughout the West, and was established a short distance from the confluence of the Compahgre (Uncompahgre) and Blue or Eagletail (Gunnison) Rivers. The Fort is a reconstruction of the original Fort Uncompahgre built by Antoine Robidoux in 1828. It was the first Anglo settlement in the area and built six years previous to Bent’s Fort located along the Santa Fe Trail in southeast Colorado.Today it’s an Old Spanish Trail interpretive site where visitors can explore a reconstruction of Fort Uncompahgre and learn more about the Old Spanish Trail.

As Colorado approaches its Sesquicentennial, let’s reflect on and celebrate the pioneering spirit that continues to shape Delta County, Colorado, and the United States. This period offers an opportunity to look back at our journey and envision what lies ahead.

Bull Rider at the Delta County Fair- Courtesy of Hotchkiss-Crawford Museum       

Two ranchers in Delta Colorado 2025- Courtesy Cunningham Cattle Co. A third generation cattle ranch with ties to Surface Creek, North Fork and the Delta area of the County.

For more information on America 250-Colorado 150,  visit https://www.historycolorado.org/colorado-150,  and keep an eye on Visit Delta County for upcoming signature events.

Colorado 150 Logo Mountains and Mesa Region