When people think of Colorado, they usually picture mountains, hiking, and winter sports. But beyond it's natural beauty lies a state rich in quirky history, spooky stories, and surprising firsts. Let’s look at 6 unique facts you probably didn’t know about Colorado!  

Birthplace of the Cheeseburger

Louis Ballast is credited with being the first person to officially trademark the name “cheeseburger.” Ballast was the owner of the Humpty Dumpty Drive-In in Denver, Colorado and in 1935, Ballast secured the trademark! He reportedly coined the term after testing toppings and settled on adding a slice of cheese to a patty! He wasn’t the first to serve a cheeseburger, but he was the first to trademark it! The Humpty Dumpty Drive-In proudly advertised its "cheeseburgers", and a commemorative plaque still stands in Denver to this day! 

Home to the World's Largest Flat-Topped Mountain

Grand Mesa, located east of Grand Junction in western Colorado, is recognized as the largest flat-topped mountain in the world. This expansive geological formation covers over 500 square miles and rises approximately 6,000 feet above the surrounding valleys. The mesa’s 10,000-foot summit hosts over 300 lakes and supports diverse wildlife. Throughout the year, Grand Mesa offers many fun recreational activities during any season! Its unique landscape and abundant natural resources make it a remarkable destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Invention of the Denver Boot

The "Denver Boot," officially known as the wheel clamp, is a device designed to immobilize vehicles. It was invented in 1944 by Frank Marugg, a Denver-based violinist with the Denver Symphony Orchestra! Marugg developed the device in response to the city's need for an effective method to deal with parking violators without resorting to towing. The Denver Police Department first employed the boot in 1955, and its success led to widespread adoption in other cities. Marugg patented the device in 1958 and continued its production until Clancy Systems International acquired the rights in 1986. Today, the original Denver boot is displayed at the Smithsonian Institution!

First Stegosaurus Fossil Discovery

In March 1877, geologist and professor Arthur Lakes discovered large dinosaur bones along the Dakota hogback near Morrison, Colorado. Recognizing their significance, he sent these fossils to Othniel Charles Marsh, a prominent paleontologist at Yale College. Later that year, Marsh described and named the new dinosaur Stegosaurus, meaning "roofed lizard," based on the belief that its plates lay flat over its back like shingles on a roof. This discovery marked the beginning of Stegosaurus research, with subsequent findings, including a nearly complete skeleton unearthed in 1885 near Cañon City, Colorado, by Marshall P. Felch. The initial fossils were found in the Morrison Formation, a geological formation rich in Late Jurassic dinosaur remains. This significant find contributed to the state's rich paleontological history and is commemorated at Dinosaur Ridge, a renowned site featuring numerous dinosaur tracks and fossils 

World's Largest Natural Hot Springs Pool

Glenwood Springs, Colorado, is home to the world's largest mineral hot springs pool. Fed by the Yampah Spring, which produces over 3.5 million gallons of water daily at a temperature of 122°F, the water is cooled to between 90° and 93°F for the main pool and to 104°F for the Therapy Pool. The hot springs are now a part of the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort which has been attracting visitors for years! The springs offer therapeutic benefits from their mineral-rich waters, which contain 15 naturally occurring dissolved minerals. Originally developed as an upscale spa resort town, Glenwood Springs, was historically frequented by the Ute tribes who valued the springs for their healing properties. Today, the resort continues to be a popular destination for relaxation and wellness.

Cheesman Park's Haunted History

Cheesman Park in Denver, Colorado, is renowned for its haunted history, rooted in its transformation from a cemetery to a public park. Established in 1858 as Mount Prospect Cemetery, the site became neglected over time, leading the city to repurpose it into a park in the late 19th century. The process of relocating the coffins was marred by corruption and disregard for the people laid to rest. As a result of this corruption and disorganization, an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 coffins remain interred beneath the park's grounds. This macabre past has given rise to numerous reports of paranormal activity, including sightings of ghostly figures and unexplained sounds. The park's eerie legacy even inspired the 1980 horror film "The Changeling," based on the experiences of a resident in a nearby mansion. Today, Cheesman Park stands as a serene urban oasis, its picturesque landscape belying the restless history that lingers beneath. 

Colorado is a state full of surprises, from its rich history to its quirky cultural milestones. Whether it's being the birthplace of the “Cheeseburger”, or its potentially haunted park, there's so much to uncover about Colorado. These 6 fun facts just scratch the surface of what makes Colorado such a fascinating destination. So next time you visit, put on your exploring hat, and go check out some of Colorado's quirky wonders!