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Colorado became a state on August 1, 1876 with the same boundaries
as Colorado Territory which had preceded it. Colorado Territory
had in turn been formed on February 28, 1861 from portions of
four different territories (Kansas, Utah, Nebraska and New Mexico)
as shown on the map to the right.
The purpose of this exhibit is to trace the development of mail
handling services in Colorado from the earliest period, while
still part of the Unorganized Territory, through the period of
the Four Territories, and continuing through the early Colorado
Territory period.
The privately owned express companies, being an integral part
of the mail handling services during this period, are also shown.
These companies almost invariably provided mail service prior
to the establishment of post offices and the letting of mail carrying
contracts.
This exhibit has been prepared with the non-philatelist in mind.
Historical information and illustrations of relevant material
have been included.
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