Colorado Statehood Forever Stamp 2026
Colorado celebrates a major milestone in 2026 as the state marks the 150th anniversary of joining the United States. Admitted to the Union as the 38th state on August 1, 1876, Colorado is commemorated with a new Statehood stamp highlighting the natural beauty and distinctive character of this remarkable region.
The Colorado Statehood stamp features a photograph of Jagged Mountain, a dramatic peak located within the Weminuche Wilderness of the San Juan National Forest. The image captures the rugged landscapes that have long defined Colorado's identity and attracted visitors from around the world.
Known for its spectacular scenery and the towering landscapes of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado takes its name from the Spanish word meaning red,a reference to the region's colorful terrain. The state is widely known as the Centennial State because it achieved statehood exactly one century after the United States declared independence from Great Britain. Its major population centers include Denver, the state capital, along with Colorado Springs, Aurora, Pueblo, Grand Junction, and Fort Collins.
Covering approximately 104,000 square miles, Colorado ranks as the eighth-largest state by land area. It also has the highest average elevation of any U.S. state, with an average height of roughly 6,800 feet above sea level, contributing to its unique environment and outdoor appeal.
Colorado's natural attractions include four national parks: Rocky Mountain National Park, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, and Mesa Verde National Park. Beyond these protected areas, the state's forests, national monuments, and wildlife regions offer year-round opportunities for exploration, recreation, and adventure.
In addition to its landscapes, Colorado is recognized for its vibrant culture and communities. The state features a growing local food scene, hundreds of historic ghost towns, a thriving craft brewery industry, and numerous museums and heritage sites, including the Ute Indian Museum, the Cripple Creek Historic District, and the History Colorado Center. Another major landmark is the United States Air Force Academy, which relocated to its current site north of Colorado Springs on August 29, 1958, and has since become one of the state's most visited attractions.
The stamp was designed by USPS art director Derry Noyes using an existing photograph by acclaimed Colorado nature photographer John Fielder (1950 - 2023), whose work captured the state's extraordinary wilderness and landscapes for generations.
The Colorado Statehood stamp is issued as a Forever stamp, meaning it will always retain the same value as the current First-Class Mail one-ounce postage rate.
