Eastern Colorado is more flat, with high plains and rolling hills connecting to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Points of Interest Top of Page Colorado has a large number of state and national parks such as the Rocky Mountain National Park, Dinosaur Ridge and Mesa Verde National Park. These provide very dramatic scenery and plenty of wildlife. Colorado's mountains are also a major tourist attraction for Major Industries Top of Page Historically, natural resources including mining of gold, silver, uranium and other metals have been the major contributor to the Colorado economy. The economy has now become much more dependent on manufacturing and other industries.
Manufacturing includes a variety of high technology equipment, machinery, and chemicals.
Farming includes corn, sugarbeets and other vegetables, fruits, as well as cattle, hogs and sheep. Historical Highlights Top of Page Colorado was originally inhabited by the Anasazi Indians who lived in cliff dwellings in the canyons of southwestern Colorado. The first Europeans to explore Colorado were the Spanish in 1540. Colorado was acquired by the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase. The gold rush of 1859 brought many settlers to Colorado.