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Colorado Water History

A guide to finding and using historical information about water in Colorado and beyond

Introduction

Colorado is the Headwaters State. Four major rivers begin in its Rocky Mountains: the Colorado, the Rio Grande, the Arkansas, and the Platte. Because all of these flow out of Colorado to other equally arid states, competition for this limited supply occurs both within the state and across its borders.

The development and use of water, and the politics and law that accompany it--not to mention people and organizations with diverse needs that use it--have created a complex history. That history touches on agriculture, engineering, wildlife, recreation, and much more.

Researching Colorado's water history can be daunting! The resources presented in this guide will help you navigate water history from Colorado's headwaters to the state's borders--and beyond.

This guide is brought to you by the Water Resources Archive, the best place in the state to begin learning about the history of Colorado's most precious resource.

What's New at the Water Resources Archive

June 2025 - New finding aid: Papers of William R. Kelly

May 2025 - New finding aid: Papers of Roland C. Fischer

March 2025 - Read about Stella Newell, a Colorado woman in water

February 2025 - New issue: Preserving the Source e-newsletter

Historical Highlight

Boats lined up on Carter Lake June 2009

In June 2009, boats were lined up on Carter Lake, ready for the summer.

Find more images and historical information in the Water Resources Archive.

Your Archivist

Profile Photo
Patricia Rettig
Contact:
Archives & Special Collections
Morgan Library
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1019
970-491-1939
Website
Subjects: Water

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URL: https://libguides.colostate.edu/water-history | Print Page