Colorado Organic Act facts for kids
The Colorado Organic Act was an important law passed in 1861. It was like a founding document for the Colorado Territory. This act set up the rules for how the new territory would be governed.
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What Was the Colorado Organic Act?
The Colorado Organic Act was approved by the U.S. Congress. President James Buchanan signed it into law on February 28, 1861. This act officially created the Colorado Territory.
It set up four-year terms for important leaders. These included the Governor and the Secretary. It also created a Legislative Assembly. This assembly was like a mini-government for the territory.
The act also made plans for other important things. It set up rules for schools and courts. It also outlined how to count the population and hold elections. The act was later changed in 1863 and 1867. These changes mostly focused on legal rights and procedures.
Setting Up the Territory
The Colorado Organic Act was created to make the Colorado Territory a "free" territory. This meant that slavery would not be allowed there. The act defined the jobs and duties of the territory's leaders. It also made sure that Native Americans living in the area kept their rights.
Who Could Vote?
When the act was first created, it stated who could vote. Only white male residents over the age of 21 were allowed to vote. This was a common rule in many parts of the United States at that time.
Where Did Colorado Come From?
The new Colorado Territory was formed from parts of several other territories. These included the Kansas Territory, the New Mexico Territory, the Utah Territory, and the Nebraska Territory. Before this, these areas were mostly unorganized lands.
The boundaries of the Colorado Territory were very similar to what is now the State of Colorado.
Why Was it Called Colorado?
The name "Colorado" was chosen for the new territory. People believed that the Colorado River started somewhere within its borders. The word "Colorado" comes from Spanish. It means "colored red" or "reddish," likely referring to the river's reddish-brown color.
