1. The Territory of Colorado was Created: On October 2, 1861, President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill that officially established the Territory of Colorado. This marked the beginning of Colorado's path towards statehood, which would ultimately be achieved in 1876.

2. The First Municipal Election in Denver: On October 2, 1865, Denver held its first municipal election, which marked a major milestone in the city's development. Notably, the city's first mayor, John C. Moore, was elected on this day.

3. The Deadwood Stage Robbery Occurred: On October 2, 1879, a group of outlaws robbed the Deadwood Stage near Montrose, Colorado. This incident was notable because it inspired the famous song "The Ballad of Belle Starr," which was later covered by a number of musicians including Bob Dylan.

4. The First Flight Over the Rocky Mountains: On October 2, 1926, a group of aviators completed the first flight across the Rocky Mountains. The flight, which took place between Los Angeles and New York City, was a major achievement in aviation history and helped to advance the development of air travel.

5. The First Colorado Avalanche Game Was Played: On October 2, 1995, the Colorado Avalanche played their first regular-season game in Denver. The team, which had relocated from Quebec City, quickly became a fan favorite and won the Stanley Cup championship in their first season.