America 250 - Colorado 150

Welcome to the second installment of our blog series celebrating Colorado’s 150th anniversary. As we look back on 150 years of statehood, we are highlighting the voices that define our agricultural heritage. 

Ronda Lobato is a sixth-generation Colorado native, whose family roots are intertwined with the very founding of San Luis and the surrounding villages. This conversation was captured by Rachael Storm, Head of Curatorial Services at History Colorado, as part of an effort to preserve the living history of the San Luis Valley.

As we look toward August 1, 2026, Colorado prepares to celebrate its Sesquicentennial—150 years of statehood. The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) is celebrating this important milestone through a year-long celebration; Setting Colorado’s Table: 150 years of Agricultural Legacy. 

As part of Colorado’s 150th anniversary celebration in 2026, and the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) seeks to engage the art community in creating a large mural that showcases Colorado’s agricultural history: past, present, and future. CDA’s working theme for celebration in 2026 is “Setting Colorado’s Table: 150 Years of Agricultural Legacy”.