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Clockwise from top left: Elias Ammon, Teller Ammon, Alva “B” Adams, Billy Adams and Alva Adams.

Colorado’s gubernatorial families

The state’s highest mountain takes its name from the Colorado territory’s sixth governor Samuel Elbert. He was son-in-law to disgraced territorial governor, John Evans — whose role in the Sand Creek massacre forced him to resign. But that wasn't the only time the state's highest office was the family business. Elias Ammons served a term a hundred years ago. His son Teller served 2 decades later as Colorado's first native-born governor. And then there's the Adams family. Brothers Alva and Billy Adams each had three gubernatorial terms. Adams County is named for Billy. Alva got his name on Adams State University in Alamosa. His son Alva “B” Adams never made it to the governor’s mansion, but served twice in the US Senate and got his name on a water diversion tunnel under Rocky Mountain National Park.

The words "Colorado Postcards" overlaid on top of a sun beams

About Colorado Postcards

Colorado Postcards are snapshots of our colorful state in sound. They give brief insights into our people and places, our flora and fauna, and our past and present, from every corner of Colorado. See more postcards.


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Original names

This could have been a Tampa Postcard, a Nemara Postcard, a Franklin Postcard because those were a few of many proposed names for the state that became Colorado.