1. Colorado was not yet a state during the first July 4 celebration. The year was 1858, and Colorado was still a territory. The celebration occurred in Denver City and included a parade, sporting events, and a barbecue.

2. The first official Colorado July 4 celebration was held in 1876, the same year Colorado became a state. The celebration included a parade, fireworks, and a speech by Colorado Governor John L. Routt.

3. In 1899, the town of Littleton, Colorado made history by creating the largest American flag at the time. The flag was 50 feet by 80 feet and weighed 1,590 pounds. It was flown in celebration of July 4.

4. In 1907, a group of Colorado Springs residents climbed Pikes Peak, which is 14,115 feet tall, and set off fireworks at the summit. This was the first time fireworks had ever been set off at such a high elevation.

5. In 1970, the city of Boulder, Colorado broke a record for the world's largest fireworks display. The display included 57,000 individual fireworks and lasted for over 30 minutes. The record held until 1986.