Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Question: What competing city lost to Boulder in a bid to be the University of Colorado’s hometown?

Answer: The University of Colorado was almost located in Cañon City. When the Colorado legislature decided to establish a state university in the 1870s, the two cities competed to host it, with Boulder residents raising $15,000 and ultimately winning the bid. As a consolation prize, Cañon City became the site of the new Colorado State Prison.