History Colorado

Explore how Colorado has changed from the 1600s to today. What do you notice about the cultural groups in the region and how they change over time?

Maps of Colorado (1600-Today)

Record anything you may be thinking now, then

 rejoin your group for the last question.

Engagement 3: Take a Stand (Independent & Group)

The clues spell out the name of a Spanish town in Colorado. What does the word mean in English? Tell your teacher when you escape the room!

BONUS: Escape Room!

As you read about the impacts of the Mexican-American War in the slides, thing about if they are positive or negative. Who and what was most impacted?

The Mexican-American War

The town of San Luis is the longest continually-inhabited non-indigenous or non-native settlement in Colorado, meaning people have lived there since the town was first settled in 1851. San Luis was part of the New Mexico territory until Colorado became a territory in 1861. The Hispanics who founded the town of San Luis came from New Mexico and spoke Spanish. They moved into the valley to farm and to raise sheep and other animals. 

Colorado's Oldest Town: San Luis

Read the dilemma, then answer the following question. 

When you're done, it will be time to discuss with your group

Engagement 3: Take a Stand (Independent)

Discuss with your group and record your ideas.

Engagement 3: Take a Stand (Group)

The territory Mexico lost to the United States after the war has a unique culture and history. This region - historians call it "the Borderlands" - has been claimed by multiple American Indian tribes as well as France, Spain, Mexico, and the United States. Explore the timeline to understand why.

Timeline of Events

Think about the timeline and the maps that you just explored.

Go through the slides and complete each step to answer the Guiding Question.


Engagement 1: Color, Symbol, Image

Step In, Step Out, Step Back protocol show above.

Engagement 2: Step In, Step Out, Step Back

As you explore the information on each slide; did the impact of the war last for a short period of time or a long period of time? Who and what were most impacted?

Lasting Impacts

Welcome to the Borderlands of Southern Colorado, an ancient crossroads. They have a violent history of conquest and enslavement, but also traditions of beauty and diversity. A place where Indigenous cultures blend with Spanish, Mexican, and American traditions to create a unique identity unlike any other in the world. This identity lives within the people of the Borderlands, and it goes with them wherever they move. Borderlands people don’t stay still. By choice, by force, or by necessity, they have moved a lot. They are mobile people who have lived beyond boundaries and between languages. They are people who live "sin fronteras" - without borders.

Educator Overvie -  Colorado Borderlands (Grades 6-8).pdf

Directions for Engagement activities found below;

Take a Stand Student Handout for Engagement 3 can be printed for students (optional): 

Colorado Borderlands

educator materials